I. ˈnak noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English knak, knakke
1.
a. : a task or chore requiring adroitness and dexterity
b. : a clever way of doing something
c. : trick , scheme , stratagem
2.
a. : a special ready capacity that is hard to analyze or teach for dexterous adroit performance especially of the unusual, technical, or difficult
the knack of writing unforgettable, irresistible melodies — Roland Gelatt
b. : trait , tendency , inclination ; especially : one strictly individual and difficult to explain or analyze
these rents in the interior of the earth had a knack of enlarging themselves — Norman Douglas
3.
a. archaic : an ingenious device : a cleverly made contrivance ; broadly : toy , trinket , knickknack
b. obsolete : a dainty article of food : delicacy
c. obsolete : an ingenious literary device : conceit
Synonyms: see gift
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English knak, of imitative origin like Middle High German knacken to make a cracking noise, Old English cnocian to knock — more at knock
: a sharp sound (as of the snapping of a finger)
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
dialect Britain : to strike together so as to make a sharp snapping noise
intransitive verb
now dialect : to make a sharp abrupt snapping noise : crack