What does TICKS mean?

Parts of Speech

Ticks is a noun and a verb.

Definitions

• Noun: a small arachnid that sucks the blood of mammals and birds, sometimes transmitting diseases.
• Verb: (1) (of a clock or other mechanical device) make a regular short sharp sound, typically one that causes a mechanical operation to take place; (2) attach or fix with a tick or ticks; (3) (informal) complete a form, list, or questionnaire by inserting a tick or ticks.

Pronunciations

• US: /tɪks/
• UK: /tɪks/

Origin and Usage

The word "ticks" originated from the Old English word "ticcen" which meant "a tick". It has been used in English since the 14th century. The noun "ticks" refers to a small arachnid that sucks the blood of mammals and birds, sometimes transmitting diseases. The verb "ticks" is used to refer to the sound made by a clock or other mechanical device, or to attach or fix something with a tick or ticks. It is also used informally to refer to completing a form, list, or questionnaire by inserting a tick or ticks.

Synonyms

• Noun: arachnid, parasite, bug, mite
• Verb: click, mark, check

Related Words

• Click
• Quick
• Stick
• Picks
• Trick

Example Sentences

• The dog had ticks all over his body.
• The clock ticks every second.
• She ticks off the items on her to-do list as she completes them.