needlepoint
UK[ˈniːdlpɔɪnt]US[ˈniːdlpɔɪnt]
n
a type of decorative sewing or embroidery done on canvas, creating a dense, even pattern.
n
lace made by hand with a needle on a paper pattern.
n
the very fine, sharp point of a needle.
Morpheme Breakdown
needle
point
needle
sharp tool
point
sharp end
Etymology
the word 'needlepoint' is a transparent english compound, formed from two old english and latin-derived elements. 'needle' originates from proto-germanic nēþlō, tracing back to the pie root (s)nē- "to spin, sew." 'point' entered english via old french from latin punctum, from the verb pungere "to prick." the literal combination, "the point of a needle," was extended metaphorically. by the late 19th century, it came to denote the craft of embroidery executed with a needle on a mesh ground, where the stitches cover the surface as densely as the points in a precise pattern, linking the tool's sharpness to the meticulous nature of the artwork.
Analysis
Structure: needle (sharp tool) + point (sharp end)
needle: from old english nǣdl, meaning "a sewing needle, pin." a tool with a sharp point and an eye for thread. functional role: base noun specifying the object.
point: from old french point, from latin punctum "a prick, puncture, small hole." functional role: noun specifying a part or characteristic (the sharp end).
Examples
she spent her evenings working on a beautiful floral needlepoint pillow.
the museum displayed a collection of antique needlepoint from the 18th century.
the needlepoint of the syringe must be sterile before use.