[ˈniːdl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a very fine slender piece of polished metal with a point at one end and a hole or eye for thread at the other, used in sewing
(e.g: a darning needle)

- the pointed hollow end of a hypodermic syringe

- a thin pointer on a dial, compass, or other instrument
(e.g: the meter needle barely moved)

- a stylus used to play records
(e.g: she wound the gramophone and lowered the needle on to the record)

- the sharp, stiff, slender leaf of a fir or pine tree

- a pointed rock or peak
(e.g: just left of the needle is a steep wall for those who like bold climbing)

- hostility or antagonism provoked by rivalry
(e.g: there is already a little bit of needle between the sides)

- a beam used as a temporary support during underpinning


Phrases:
- a needle in a haystack
- give someone the needle
- the eye of a needle

Origin:
Old English nǣdl, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch naald and German Nadel, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin nere ‘to spin’ and Greek nēma ‘thread’

[ˈniːdl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- prick or pierce with or as if with a needle
(e.g: dust needled his eyes)

- provoke or annoy (someone) by continual criticism or questioning
(e.g: I just said that to Charlie to needle him)


Phrases:
- a needle in a haystack
- give someone the needle
- the eye of a needle

Origin:
Old English nǣdl, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch naald and German Nadel, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin nere ‘to spin’ and Greek nēma ‘thread’