ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wand

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈwɑnd// UK //wˈɒnd// wand Informal

n. a thin, straight stick that a magician or wizard uses to perform magic. It can also be a long, thin tool used for a specific job, like a scanner at an airport.

n. a slender, hand-held rod traditionally associated with the performance of magic or ritual. In technical contexts, it refers to a handheld electronic device used for scanning or applying a substance.


SIMPLE

The magician waved his wand and a rabbit appeared.

CONTEXTUAL

The security guard used a metal-detecting wand to check the passengers before they entered the stadium.

COMPLEX

In folklore, the wand serves as a conduit for supernatural energy, allowing the wielder to focus their intent and manifest physical changes in the world around them.

Synonyms
Origin

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”).

Usage

Commonly associated with fantasy literature or specialized manual tools.

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