Definition of INK

ink

Meanings

Plural: inks

Noun

  • a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing
  • dark protective fluid ejected into the water by cuttlefish and other cephalopods
  • A pigment (or dye)-based fluid used for writing, printing etc.
  • A particular type, color or container of this fluid.
  • The black or dark-colored fluid ejected by squid, octopus etc, as a protective strategy.
  • Publicity.
  • Tattoo work.
  • Cheap red wine.

Verb

  • append one's signature to
    • "They inked the contract"
  • mark, coat, cover, or stain with ink
    • "he inked his finger"
  • fill with ink
    • "ink a pen"
  • To apply ink to; to cover or smear with ink.
  • To sign (a contract or similar document).
  • To apply a tattoo to (someone).
  • to eject ink (sense 3)

Origin / Etymology

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”).

Scrabble Score: 7

ink is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
ink is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
ink is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 8

ink is a valid Words With Friends word