nipple

(nipəl)

noun

  1. the small protuberance on a breast or udder through which, in the female, the milk passes in suckling the young; teat
  2. an artificial teatlike part, as of rubber, in the cap of a baby's nursing bottle
  3. any projection, part, or thing resembling the nipple of a breast in shape or function; specif.,
    1. a short piece of pipe with both ends threaded
    2. a projection with a small opening through which a liquid or grease can be forced

Origin: earlier neble, prob. dim. of neb

See nipple in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. The small projection near the center of the mammary gland containing the outlets of the milk ducts through which young mammals obtain milk from the adult female; a teat.
    b. A corresponding projection of the male breast.
  2. a. The rubber cap on a bottle from which a baby nurses.
    b. A pacifier for an infant.
  3. Any of various devices functioning like or resembling a nipple, especially:
    a. A regulated opening for discharging a liquid, as in a small stopcock.
    b. A pipe coupling threaded on both ends.
    c. A short extension of pipe to which a nozzle can be attached.
    d. A small projection through which grease in a grease gun can be forced into a bearing.
  4. A natural or geographic projection resembling a nipple, as a mountain crest.

Origin:

Origin: From obsolete neble

Origin: , diminutive of neb

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