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tattoo

tattoo¹ definition

tat·too (ta to̵̅o̅′)

transitive verb tattooed -·tooed′, tattooing -·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. tattoos -·toos′

a tattooed mark or design

Related Forms:

tattoo² definition

tat·too (ta to̵̅o̅′)

noun pl. tattoos -·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 tattooed -·tooed′, tattooing -·too′·ing

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