[pick.up] n (1848) 1: one that is picked up: as a: a hitchhiker who is given a ride b: a temporary chance acquaintance
2: the act or process of picking up: as a: a revival of business activity b: acceleration
3: the conversion of mechanical movements into electrical impulses in the reproduction of sound; also: a device (as on a phonograph) for making such conversion
4. a (1): the reception of sound or an image into a radio or television transmitting apparatus for conversion into electrical signals (2): interference (as with such reception) from an adjacent electrical circuit or system b: a device (as a microphone or a television camera) for converting sound or the image of a scene into electrical signals c: the place where a broadcast originates d: the electrical system for connecting to a broadcasting station a program produced outside the studio
5: a light truck having an enclosed cab and an open body with low sides and tailgate--called also pickup truck
[2]pickup adj (1909): utilizing or comprising local or available personnel esp. without formal organization "a ~ basketball game"