tattoo

tattoo¹ Definition

tat·too (ta to̵̅o̅′)

transitive verb -·tooed′, -·too′·ing

to puncture (the skin) with a needle and insert indelible colors so as to leave permanent marks or designs
to make (marks or designs) on the skin in this way

Etymology: < a Polynesian language < Proto-Polynesian *tatau

noun pl. -·toos′

a tattooed mark or design

tattoo¹ Related Forms

tat·too′er noun or tat·too′·ist

tattoo² Definition

tat·too (ta to̵̅o̅′)

noun pl. -·toos′

1. a signal on a drum or bugle, summoning military personnel to their quarters at night
2. in Great Britain, a military spectacle featuring music, marching, and military exercises
any continuous drumming or rapping

Etymology: earlier taptoo < Du taptoe < tap toe, tap to (shut): a signal for closing barrooms

transitive verb, intransitive verb -·tooed′, -·too′·ing

to beat or tap on (a drum or other surface)

tattoo Synonyms

tattoo Usage Examples

Object

acupuncture: By tattooing, acupuncture, or piercing if improper procedures are used.
dragon: Look: points to Chinese dragon tattooed at great expense on tail of shirt Seagoon: What does that prove?
ear: Skin piercing includes the practice of acupuncture, or the business of tattooing, ear piecing or electrolysis, where the skin is pierced.

Converse of object

reveal: Reveal a tattoo the thrill of not far from.
beat: They had their banners flying and were wearing full battle armor with the drums beating a regular tattoo.
remove: All over the New York subway you find adverts offering to remove tattoos.
get: Getting a tattoo or piercing from a dirty needle.

Noun phrase with adjective complement

piercing: It is illegal to conduct acupuncture, tattooing, ear piercing or electrolysis unless a license has been formally approved.

Adjective modifier

tribal: Tribal tattoos are usually abstract designs or patterns often designed to fit the body.
temporary: Tourists to these areas often pay to have such temporary tattoos painted on their skin.
Japanese: If you're planning on getting a Japanese tattoo, I would strongly recommend you at least study katakana first.

Modifies a noun

parlor: One customer we have uses them in a tattoo parlor!
parlor: Iron: There's a Brazilian tattoo parlor across the street from my house that just opened up.
removal: Featured sites about Tattoo Photos: Surgery, Plastic, tattoo removal - Tattoo Design Gallery Surgery, Plastic, tattoo removal - Gallery.
artist: Who's the best tattoo artist you or Chris?
studio: Also included is a Directory of many UK tattoo studios to help you hunt down your next masterpiece.
gallery: Cool NEW Pictures Updated Constantly... Welcome to the female tattoo gallery.

Modifying Another Word

Noun used with modifier

henna: She's casually rock 'n ' roll in loose jeans and light blue shirt, discreet henna tattoos curling round her wrist and ankle.
butterfly: Are my comfiest knickers not meant to cover up my new butterfly tattoo at the top of my left buttock?

tattoo Quotes

To many, dramatic criticism must seem like an attempt to tattoo soap bubbles.

—Brown,John Mason

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