pinprick
UK[ˈpɪnprɪk]US[ˈpɪnprɪk]
n
a very small hole made by a pin or a similar sharp point.
n
a very small or insignificant thing, especially a minor irritation or annoyance.
Morpheme Breakdown
pin
prick
pin
prick
Etymology
the word 'pinprick' is a transparent compound formed from two old english elements, 'pin' and 'prick'. both components have germanic origins, with 'pin' referring to the specific sharp implement and 'prick' describing the action of piercing. the compound literally means "a prick made by a pin," a concept so straightforward that its formation required no intermediary borrowing. over time, this literal meaning was naturally extended through metaphor to describe anything as trivial or irritating as a tiny puncture wound, solidifying its place in the language as a term for a minor annoyance.
Analysis
Structure: pin + prick
- pin (old english): a small, thin piece of stiff wire with a sharp point and a round head, used for fastening pieces of cloth, paper, etc. in the word, it specifies the instrument.
- prick (old english): the act of making a small hole in something with a sharp point. in the word, it specifies the action or result.
Examples
the only light came from a pinprick in the curtain.
he complained about the pinpricks of daily bureaucracy.
the pain was sharp but brief, like a pinprick.