nib
UK[nɪb]US[nɪb]
n
the pointed metal part of a pen, through which the ink flows.
n
the pointed end or beak of a bird.
Etymology
the word 'nib' has a direct and tangible lineage from the old english nebb, meaning 'beak, nose, or face'. this germanic root, related to old norse nef, conveyed the concept of a projecting point. the semantic shift from a bird's beak to the pointed tip of a pen is a classic example of metaphorical extension based on shared shape and function. by the 16th century, 'nib' was firmly established in english to denote the writing point of a quill, a meaning it retained as pen technology evolved to use metal points.
Analysis
this word is a simplex. it is a direct borrowing and shortening from middle english neb or nibbe, meaning 'beak, nose, tip', which itself comes from old english nebb, of germanic origin.
Examples
he carefully dipped the nib of his fountain pen into the inkwell.
the finch cracked the seed expertly with its sharp nib.
the old manuscript was written with a fine, flexible nib.