Meaning & Definition of word "Tick"

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    Tick

    /tɪk/

    noun:

    • 1. A small arachnid that feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians.
      • Example: We found a tick on the dog after our hike in the woods.
    • 2. A mark (✓) used to indicate correctness or to signify that something is completed.
      • Example: She placed a tick next to each item on her checklist after completing them.
    • 3. A repeated sound made by a clock or a ticking mechanism.
      • Example: The tick of the clock was the only sound in the quiet room.

    verb:

    • 1. To make a sharp, repetitive sound or to mark with a tick.
      • Example: He ticked off the tasks as he finished them.
    • 2. To proceed with a steady rhythm or to move continuously in a way similar to the sound of a ticking clock.
      • Example: The minutes ticked by slowly while we waited.

    Etymology

    Middle English tike, probably from the Scandinavian.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    tick of the clock:

    The sound made by a clock as it marks the passage of time.

    tick all the boxes:

    To meet all the requirements or criteria.

    a tick in time:

    A moment or point in time.

    Related Words

    ticking:

    The sound produced by a clock or similar device when it functions.

    ticklish:

    Sensitive to being tickled.

    Slang Meanings of tick

    Meaning: A moment or brief period of time.

    Example Sentence: I'll be back in a tick.

    Meaning: To be in agreement or to understand.

    Example Sentence: We’re on the same tick about the project.