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ink

n. · v.
US //ˈɪŋk// UK //ˈɪŋk// ink
  1. 1 writing fluid (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a colored liquid used in pens or printers for writing and drawing.

    a pigmented or dye-based fluid used for writing, printing, or drawing. Usually uncountable when referring to the substance.

    Example

    The pen ran out of ink right in the middle of the exam.

    Example

    The printer requires a specific type of archival ink to ensure the photographs do not fade when exposed to direct sunlight.
  2. 2 squid/octopus fluid (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the dark liquid that sea animals like squid spray to hide from enemies.

    the dark, protective fluid ejected by cephalopods, such as squid or octopuses, to obscure the view of predators.

    Example

    The octopus released a cloud of dark ink and escaped into the rocks.

    Example

    Marine biologists observed the cuttlefish using its ink as a decoy to confuse the approaching shark.

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  1. 3 tattoos (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    a casual word for tattoos or the art of tattooing.

    a metonymic reference to tattoos or the professional work of a tattoo artist.

    Example

    He spent the whole weekend getting some new ink on his arm.

    Example

    The gallery featured a collection of photographs documenting the intricate ink worn by sailors in the early twentieth century.
  2. 4 to sign a contract (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to officially sign a contract or a deal.

    to formally execute or conclude a contract or agreement by signing it. Transitive use.

    Example

    The famous player is expected to ink a new deal with the team tomorrow.

    Example

    After months of intense negotiations, the two tech giants finally inked a merger agreement that will reshape the industry.
  3. 5 to tattoo someone (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    to mark someone's skin with a permanent tattoo.

    to apply a tattoo to a person's skin. Transitive use.

    Example

    The artist spent five hours inking the detailed design onto her back.

    Example

    He has been inking clients at this studio for over a decade, specializing in traditional maritime designs.
Origin

From Middle English ynke, from Old French enque, from Latin encaustum (“purple ink used by Roman emperors to sign documents”), from Ancient Greek ἔγκαυστον (énkauston, “burned-in”), from ἐν (en, “in”) + καίω (kaíō, “burn”). In this sense, displaced native Old English blæc (“ink”, literally “black”).

Idioms5 entries

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