n.
Pronunciation: ' kwik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English quik, from Old English cwic; akin to Old Norse kvikr living, Latin vivus living, vivere to live, Greek bios, z ō ē life
Date: before 12th century
1 : not dead : LIVING , ALIVE
2 : acting or capable of acting with speed: as a (1) : fast in understanding, thinking, or learning : mentally agile <a quick wit> < quick thinking> (2) : reacting to stimuli with speed and keen sensitivity (3) : aroused immediately and intensely < quick tempers> b (1) : fast in development or occurrence <a quick succession of events> (2) : done or taking place with rapidity <gave them a quick look> c : marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of physical movement <walked with quick steps> d : inclined to hastiness (as in action or response) < quick to criticize> e : capable of being easily and speedily prepared <a quick and tasty dinner>
3 a archaic : not stagnant : RUNNING , FLOWING b : MOVING , SHIFTING < quick mud>
4 archaic : FIERY , GLOWING
5 obsolete a : PUNGENT b : CAUSTIC
6 archaic : PREGNANT
7 : having a sharp angle <a quick turn in the road>
– quick · ly adverb
– quick · ness noun
synonyms QUICK , PROMPT , READY , APT mean able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability. QUICK stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power < quick reflexes> <a keen quick mind>. PROMPT is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response < prompt emergency medical care>. READY suggests facility or fluency in response <backed by a pair of ready assistants>. APT stresses the possession of qualities (as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible <an apt student> <her answer was apt and to the point>. synonym see in addition FAST