n. & v.
--n.
1. a a very thin small piece of smooth steel etc. pointed at one end and with a slit (eye) for thread at the other, used in sewing. b a larger plastic, wooden, etc. slender stick without an eye, used in knitting. c a slender hooked stick used in crochet.
2 a pointer on a dial (see magnetic needle).
3 any of several small thin pointed instruments, esp.: a a surgical instrument for stitching. b the end of a hypodermic syringe. c STYLUS. d an etching tool. e a steel pin exploding the cartridge of a breech-loading gun.
4 a an obelisk (Cleopatra's Needle). b a pointed rock or peak.
5 the leaf of a fir or pine tree.
6 a beam used as a temporary support during underpinning.
7 Brit. sl. a fit of bad temper or nervousness (got the needle while waiting).
--v.tr.
1. colloq. incite or irritate; provoke (the silence needled him).
2 sew, pierce, or operate on with a needle.
Phrases and idioms:
needle game (or match etc.) Brit. a contest that is very close or arouses personal grudges. needle in a haystack something almost impossible to find because it is concealed by so many other things etc. needle-lace lace made with needles not bobbins. needle-point
1. a very sharp point.
2 needle-lace.
3 GROS or petit point. needle's eye (or eye of a needle) the least possible aperture, esp. with ref. to Matt. 19:24. needle time an agreed maximum allowance of time for broadcasting music from records. needle valve a valve closed by a thin tapering part.
Etymology: OE n{aelig}dl f. Gmc