ink

ink · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A colored liquid or paste used for writing, drawing, or printing.

  2. 2.

    Dark liquid squirted by cuttlefish, octopus, and squid as a defense mechanism.

  3. 3.

    (informal) A tattoo or tattoos.

Forms

plural: inks

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in ink — written permanently, not in pencil
  • •
    red ink — financial losses (from accounting practice)
  • •
    ink is barely dry — something just happened or was just signed

Related words

See also: pen, print, write
Synonyms: dye, pigment

Etymology

From Old French enque, from Late Latin encaustum ("purple ink used by Roman emperors for signatures"), from Greek enkauston, from enkaiein ("to burn in"), referring to the original method of making purple dye.