pencil — A thin wooden stick with a graphite core, used for writing or drawing
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A thin wooden stick with a graphite core, used for writing or drawing
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpensəl/
Example Sentences
- My pencil is so dull, it writes like a crayon having an identity crisis.
- Please use a pencil for the test so you can erase your mistakes.
- The artist's pencil danced across the paper like it had a mind of its own.
pencil
NOUN[/ˈpensəl/]
A thin wooden stick with a graphite core, used for writing or drawing
Image coming soon
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin penicillus, meaning 'small tail' or 'small brush.' Originally referring to a fine paintbrush, the term was later applied to graphite writing instruments when such tools became common.
Breakdown
penicillus (Latin: small tail, from penis 'tail' + -illus diminutive suffix) → pencil. The diminutive suffix -illus denotes a small or delicate version of the root word.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My pencil is so dull, it writes like a crayon having an identity crisis.”
“Please use a pencil for the test so you can erase your mistakes.”
“The artist's pencil danced across the paper like it had a mind of its own.”
“I've been looking for my pencil for 10 minutes, only to find it behind my ear.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.