wicks

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The string or strip in a candle or lamp that draws up melted fuel so it can burn.

   Grammar: Countable: one wick, two wicks. Often used with burn or trim.

   Patterns

   • light a wick
   • trim a wick
   • the wick burns

   She lit the wick and the candle glowed.

   The wick was too short to stay lit.

   He trimmed the wick before lighting the lamp.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A strip of material that carries liquid by capillary action, as in an oil lamp or a humidifier.

   Grammar: Countable; often part of a compound like 'lamp wick' or 'oil wick'.

   Patterns

   • replace the wick
   • the wick absorbs oil

   The old oil lamp needs a new wick.

   The wick draws the oil up to the flame.

3. 3verbtransitive or intransitivetechnical

   To draw liquid up or along by capillary action.

   Grammar: Can take an object (wick the oil) or be used without one (the oil wicks up).

   Patterns

   • wick something up
   • wick up

   The fabric wicks moisture away from the skin.

   The oil wicks up the rope.

Word forms

Common combinations

light the wick

She struck a match and lit the wick.

trim the wick

Always trim the wick to about a quarter inch.

the wick burns

The wick burns with a steady flame.

replace the wick

You should replace the wick every few months.

Synonyms and how they differ

taper

A taper is a long thin candle, not just the string; use 'taper' for the whole candle.

lamp

A lamp is the device that holds the wick and fuel; the wick is only one part.

Word family

wicking noun

The process of liquid being drawn up by capillary action.

wicker noun

A flexible twig or branch used in weaving; not directly related to candle wicks.

Commonly confused: wicks or wicker? wicks or week?

Practice

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