needled


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needle
left to right: sailmaking, sewing machine, and tapestry needles
bottom right: spring needle

nee·dle

 (nēd′l)
n.
1.
a. A slender, pointed implement used for sewing or surgical suturing, made usually of polished steel and having an eye at one end through which a length of thread is passed and held.
b. Any of various similar implements, such as a fine sharp-pointed instrument used in acupuncture or a pointed shaft used in knitting, crocheting, or lace making.
c. A sharp-pointed instrument used in engraving.
2. A slender piece of jewel or steel used to transmit vibrations from the grooves of a phonograph record.
3.
a. A slender pointer or indicator on a dial, scale, or similar part of a mechanical device.
b. A magnetic needle.
4.
a. A hypodermic needle.
b. Informal A hypodermic injection; a shot.
5. Chiefly Upper Northern US See dragonfly.
6. A narrow stiff leaf, as of a pine or fir.
7. A fine, sharp projection, as a spine of a sea urchin or a crystal.
8.
a. A tall narrow rock formation.
b. An obelisk.
9. Informal A goading, provoking, or teasing remark or act.
v. nee·dled, nee·dling, nee·dles
v.tr.
1. To prick, pierce, or stitch with a needle.
2. Informal To goad, provoke, or tease.
v.intr.
To sew or do similar work with a needle.

[Middle English nedle, from Old English nǣdl; see (s)nē- in Indo-European roots.]

nee′dler n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Adj.1.needled - of trees whose leaves are acerate
unsubdivided, simple - (botany) of leaf shapes; of leaves having no divisions or subdivisions
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
References in periodicals archive ?
This means that the right needle can be offered for differently needled filter media.
Due to the elliptical movement, products weighing as low as 25 grams (0.9 oz.) per square meter can be successfully needled, as well as high loft products of higher weights at various process speeds.