1. noun
a) A bundle, twist, braid, or woven strip of cord, fabric, fiber, or other porous material in a candle, oil lamp, kerosene heater, or the like, that draws up liquid fuel, such as melted tallow, wax, or the oil, delivering it to the base of the flame for conversion to gases and burning; any other length of material burned for illumination in small successive portions.
Trim the wick fairly short, so that the flame does not smoke.
b) Any piece of porous material that conveys liquid by capillary action; e.g. a strip of gauze placed in a wound to serve as a drain.
I niver knew such an a thing afore in all my wick. — Ashby, 12 July 1875
2. verb
The fabric wicks perspiration away from the body.
b) To traverse (i.e. be conveyed by capillary action) through a wick or other porous material, as water through a sponge. Usually followed by .
The moisture slowly wicked through the wood.
3. adjective
as wick as an eel
See Also: wicken
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