nick
Translation
nick, notch, cut, chip
Examples
There's a nick on the new table.
There's a nick on the new table.
He got a nick while shaving.
He got a nick while shaving.
He arrived in the nick of time.
He arrived in the nick of time.
Grammar Patterns
a nick on ((sth.)) a small cut or notch on something There's a nick on the new table.
in the nick of time at the very last moment He arrived in the nick of time.
Similar Words
Synonyms: cut, scratch, notch, chip; Antonyms: repair, mend
Etymology
From Middle English, origin unknown. Possibly related to Old French 'niche'.
Memory Tips
Imagine making a small 'nick' with the 'tip' of a knife. Also a common verb: 'to nick something'. The phrase 'in the nick of time' is very common.