nick

1 of 2verb

/nɪk/

Forms:nicks,nicking,nicked,nicked

to make a small, shallow cut or groove into something

transitive

The woodworker carefully nicks the edge of the board to mark the measurement.
The chef used a knife to nick the skin of the fruit for easier peeling.
The jeweler skillfully nicks the metal to create a textured pattern on the jewelry.
To keep track of measurements, the tailor nicks the fabric at specific points.

Synonyms:

to make a small, shallow cut or wound, resulting in minor injury or damage

transitive

While chopping vegetables, she accidentally nicked her finger with the knife, causing a small but painful cut.
As he was shaving, he inadvertently nicked his chin with the razor, resulting in a minor shaving cut.
While trimming the hedges, she nicked the edge of her hand with the pruning shears, causing a small abrasion.
While sharpening pencils, he nicked the tip of his thumb with the blade, resulting in a tiny but noticeable cut.
While pruning the rose bushes, he nicked his forearm on one of the thorns, resulting in a small puncture wound.

Synonyms:

(of livestock) to produce offspring that exhibit superior traits

The two champion racehorses nicked exceptionally well, producing offspring that inherited their speed and agility.
The careful selection of breeding pairs ensured that the dogs would nick effectively.
The ornithologists observed the mating behaviors of the bird species to identify pairs that would nick effectively

to make shallow, precise cuts or incisions on the underside of a horse's tail, often for identification purposes

transitive

As part of the grooming ritual, the stablehand nicks the tails of the therapy horses.
The rancher nicks the tails of his horses with a specific pattern to indicate ownership and lineage.
As part of the grooming routine, the equestrian trims and nicks the tails of her horses.
The trainer carefully nicks the tails of the show horses, incorporating delicate designs and patterns.