beak

beak


beak    Audio Help   (bēk)   

n.  
    1. The horny, projecting structure forming the mandibles of a bird, especially one that is strong, sharp, and useful in striking and tearing; a bill.

    2. A similar structure in other animals, such as turtles, insects, or fish.

    3. The spout of a pitcher.

    4. A metal or metal-clad ram projecting from the bow of an ancient warship.

    5. A schoolmaster.

    6. A judge.

  1. A usually firm, tapering tip on certain plant structures, such as some seeds and fruits.

  2. A beaklike structure or part, as:

    1. The spout of a pitcher.

    2. A metal or metal-clad ram projecting from the bow of an ancient warship.

    3. A schoolmaster.

    4. A judge.

  3. Informal The human nose.

  4. Chiefly British Slang

    1. A schoolmaster.

    2. A judge.


[Middle English bek, from Old French bec, from Latin beccus, of Celtic origin.]
beaked (bēkt) adj.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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