wand
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a thin stick that a magician or fairy uses to perform magic.
n.a thin, handheld rod used as a tool for performing magic or casting spells in folklore and fiction.
Simple“The wizard waved his wand and the heavy door opened slowly.”
In context“In many fantasy novels, the protagonist must find a wand that matches their specific magical abilities before they can begin their training.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a handheld tool shaped like a rod, used for things like scanning barcodes or checking for metal.
n.a handheld electronic device shaped like a rod, typically used for scanning or detection purposes.
Simple“The security guard used a metal detector wand to check the passengers.”
In context“The warehouse worker used a wireless wand to scan the barcodes on the high shelves, updating the inventory system instantly.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the small brush or stick used to apply makeup like mascara.
n.the applicator rod attached to the cap of a cosmetic container, such as a mascara tube.
Simple“She carefully pulled the mascara wand out of the tube to avoid making a mess.”
In context“The makeup artist recommended a curved wand to help reach the smaller lashes at the corners of the eyes.”
Synonymsapplicatorbrush - 04 C1 Advanced
v.to move a handheld scanner over someone or something.
v.to check or scan a person or object using a handheld electronic wand.
Simple“The guards had to wand every person entering the stadium for the concert.”
In context“After the alarm was triggered, the security officer proceeded to wand the suspect to locate any concealed metallic objects.”
UsageThis verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
From Middle English wand, wond, from Old Norse vǫndr (“switch, twig”), from Proto-Germanic wanduz (“rod”), from Proto-Indo-European wendʰ- (“to turn, twist, wind, braid”). Cognate with Icelandic vendi (“wand”), Danish vånd (“wand, switch”), German Wand (“wall, septum”), Gothic 𐍅𐌰𐌽𐌳𐌿𐍃 (wandus, “rod”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.