ink

Meaning

Noun

1. (uncountable, usually) A pigment (or dye)-based fluid used for writing, printing etc.
2. (countable, usually) A particular type, color or container of this fluid.
3. (uncountable, usually) The black or dark-colored fluid ejected by squid, octopus etc, as a protective strategy.
4. (slang, uncountable, usually) Publicity.
5. (slang, uncountable, usually) Tattoo work.
6. (slang, uncountable, usually) Cheap red wine.

Verb

1. (transitive) To apply ink to; to cover or smear with ink.
2. (transitive) To sign (a contract or similar document).
3. (transitive) To apply a tattoo to (someone).
4. (intransitive) to eject ink (sense 3)

Synonyms

paint

dye

writing ink

Chinese ink

sign

charcoal water

oil

publicity

shade

soot

stain

subscribe

toner

undersign

watercolor

tusche

ink paste

prepared Chinese ink

writing fluid

autograph

Chinese ink-liquid

blacken

color

colour

dyehouse

endorse

Translations

encre

Tinte

tinta

inchiostro

inkt

tinta

tinta

atramentum

mürekkep

μελάνι

μελάνη

مِدًاذ؛ حِبْرٌ

encausto

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɪŋk/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: ynke

In summary

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”).

Sentences

If a pen has no ink , it's broken .