nick

• Nom ayant plusieurs sens : une petite entaille ou encoche sur une surface ; également, en argot britannique, la prison.

A noun with multiple meanings: a small cut or indentation on a surface; also British slang for a prison.

1. Small cut or notchB1formal

   A small cut, notch, or indentation on a surface, often made accidentally.

   Entaille, petite coupure

   • He got a nick on his finger while shaving.
   • There is a small nick in the edge of the table.
   • The knife left a nick in the wooden cutting board.

   Synonymescutdentgashindentationmarknotchscorescratchsnick

2. Prison (British slang)B2slangbritish

   A slang term for a prison or police station.

   Prison (argot britannique)

   • He spent a few years in the nick for robbery.
   • The thief was taken down to the nick for questioning.
   • They put him in the nick for the night.

   Synonymesclinkgaoljaillockupslammer

3. Impression from a blowB1formal

   A small dent or mark left on a surface by a sharp impact or blow.

   Cocotte, entaille légère

   • The hammer left a nick in the metal plate.
   • A nick appeared on the car door after the accident.
   • The stone made a nick in the window glass.

   Synonymeschipcutdentdingindentationmarknotchscratch

• Verbe signifiant voler quelque chose, généralement de peu de valeur ou de manière mineure, ou arrêter quelqu'un.

A verb meaning to steal something, typically in a casual or petty manner, or to arrest someone.

1. Cut slightlyB1formal

   To make a small, shallow cut or notch on a surface, often accidentally with a sharp tool like a razor.

   entailler légèrement

   • He nicked his chin while shaving this morning.
   • Be careful not to nick the table with that knife.
   • She accidentally nicked her finger on the broken glass.

   Synonymesincisenotchscorescratchsnick

2. Make a notchB2formaltechnical

   To deliberately cut a small notch or groove into a surface, often for marking or fitting purposes.

   entailler

   • The carpenter nicked the wood to mark where to cut.
   • He nicked the edge of the metal sheet for alignment.
   • They nicked the stone to create a rough surface.

   Synonymescutgrooveindentmarknotchscorescratch

3. Adjust tail musclesC2formalbritishtechnical

   To divide or reset the tail muscles of an animal, typically a horse, as part of a docking or cosmetic procedure.

   Sectionner les muscles de la queue (d'un cheval)

   • The farrier nicked the horse's tail to improve its carriage.
   • Historically, some breeds were nicked for show purposes.
   • The procedure to nick a horse's tail is now rarely performed.

4. Mate successfullyC2formalbritishtechnical

   To achieve successful mating, especially in livestock breeding, resulting in pregnancy.

   Réussir la saillie (fécondation)

   • The bull nicked with several cows this season.
   • The farmer was pleased that the pair nicked quickly.
   • Successful breeding requires that the animals nick properly.

   Synonymescatchconceivesettletake