needle-nose
Meaning
having a long, thin, pointed end or tip, resembling the shape of a needle.
a tool, such as pliers or a wrench, with long, slender, pointed jaws.
Structure
Usage
he used a pair of needle-nose pliers to reach into the tight electronic assembly.
the needle-nose gar is a fish distinguished by its long, slender snout.
the aircraft featured a distinctive needle-nose design for reduced aerodynamic drag.
Etymology
the compound "needle-nose" is a transparent english formation, combining two ancient germanic nouns to create a descriptive term. the first element, "needle," derives from proto-germanic nēþlō, itself from the pie root (s)nē- "to spin, sew," evoking the object's defining qualities of slenderness and sharpness. the second element, "nose," comes from proto-germanic nusō, likely from pie nas- "nose," representing any prominent projecting part. the compound's logic is vividly metaphorical, likening the long, tapered jaws of a tool or the pointed front of an object to the sharp point of a sewing needle and the protruding shape of a nose, effectively conveying a specific physical form through familiar imagery.
Analysis
needle: from old english nǣdl, meaning "a small, thin, pointed instrument for sewing." its functional role is to denote a characteristic shape. nose: from old english nosu, meaning "the projecting part of the face." its functional role is to denote a protruding part or front end.