wick
wick
UK[wɪk]US[wɪk]
n
A piece of string in the center of a candle or an oil lamp that supplies fuel to the flame by drawing it up.
n
A strip of material in an oil heater or lamp that draws fuel to the flame.
n
(in a cigarette lighter) a fiber cord that draws liquid fuel to the ignition point.
Etymology
The word 'wick' originates from the Old English 'wēoce', which referred to a bundle of fibers used for lighting. This term is likely derived from a West Germanic root, related to the concept of something that is bent or twisted, reflecting the process of making a wick from plied fibers. Over time, its application narrowed specifically to the fuel-drawing cord in candles and lamps. The spelling and pronunciation evolved from 'wēoce' through Middle English forms like 'weke' and 'wyke' before stabilizing as the modern 'wick'.
Analysis
This word is a simplex. It is a loanword from Old English 'wēoce', meaning 'wick' or 'bundle of fibers'. Its functional role is as a complete noun root.
Examples
The candle's wick sputtered before finally catching flame.
You need to trim the wick for a cleaner, brighter burn.
The old lamp had a cotton wick that soaked up the oil.