First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1neck
noun \ˈnek\
: the part of the body between the head and the shoulders
: the part of a piece of clothing that fits around your neck
: a long and narrow part of something : a part that is shaped like a neck
Full Definition of NECK
1
a (1) : the part of an animal that connects the head with the body (2) : the siphon of a bivalve mollusk (as a clam) b : the part of a garment that covers or is next to the neck
2
: a relatively narrow part suggestive of a neck: as a (1) : the constricted end of a bottle (2) : the slender proximal end of a fruit b : cervix 2 c : the part of a stringed musical instrument extending from the body and supporting the fingerboard and strings d : a narrow stretch of land e : strait 1b f : the part of a tooth between the crown and the root — see tooth illustration g : a column of solidified magma of a volcanic pipe or laccolith
3
: a narrow margin <won by a neck>
See neck defined for English-language learners
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Origin of NECK
Middle English nekke, from Old English hnecca; akin to Old High German hnac nape
Related to NECK
Other Anatomy Terms
2neck
verb
: to kiss for a long time in a sexual way
Full Definition of NECK
transitive verb
1
: to kiss and caress amorously
2
: to reduce in diameter
intransitive verb
1
: to engage in amorous kissing and caressing
2
: to become constricted : narrow
See neck defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NECK
1842
NECK Defined for Kids
neck
noun \ˈnek\
Definition of NECK for Kids
1
: the part of the body between the head and the shoulders
2
: the section of a garment covering or nearest to the part connecting the head with the body
3
: something that is long and narrow or that connects two larger parts <a neck of land> <the neck of a bottle>
— necked \ˈnekt\ adjective
— neck and neck
: so nearly equal (as in a race or election) that one cannot be said to be ahead of the other
Medical Dictionary
neck
noun \ˈnek\
Medical Definition of NECK
1
a : the usually narrowed part of an animal that connects the head with the body; specifically : the cervical region of a vertebrate b : the part of a tapeworm immediately behind the scolex from which new proglottids are produced
2
: a relatively narrow part suggestive of a neck: as a : a narrow part of a bone <the neck of the femur> b : cervix 2 c : the part of a tooth between the crown and the root
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