ticking
ticking
UK[ˈtɪkɪŋ]US[ˈtɪkɪŋ]
n
a strong, durable, usually striped fabric used for covering mattresses and pillows.
n
a repeated, light, sharp sound, especially that of a clock or watch.
Etymology
the word 'ticking' originates from the middle english 'tikken', which is likely of imitative origin, mimicking a light, sharp sound. this onomatopoeic root gave rise to the verb 'to tick', describing the sound of a clock or a watch. by the mid-17th century, the noun 'ticking' emerged in the textile trade, referring to the sturdy fabric used for mattress covers. the semantic connection is thought to derive from the 'tick-tock' sound of a weaver's shuttle moving swiftly back and forth, which resembles the sound of a clock, thus linking the auditory root to the material produced by the rhythmic action of the loom.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form derived from the verb 'tick'. it is not productively formed from separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the old clock on the wall filled the silent room with its steady ticking.
she bought some blue and white striped ticking to recover the sofa cushions.
the only sound in the examination hall was the faint ticking of the wall clock.