nipping

• Décrit un froid vif, mordant ou piquant, qui semble piquer ou couper la peau.

Describes cold weather that is sharp, biting, or stinging.

1. Sharp or bitingB2formal

   Capable of causing a sharp, stinging sensation, often used to describe cold or wind.

   piquant, mordant

   • The nipping wind cut through his coat.
   • A nipping frost covered the ground this morning.
   • The air had a nipping quality that made her shiver.

   Synonymesbittercuttingkeenpenetratingpiercingpungentrawsharpstinging

2. Pleasantly coldB2informal

   Describing cold weather that is refreshing and invigorating rather than unpleasant.

   frais et piquant (froid agréable)

   • The nipping morning air woke me up instantly.
   • We went for a walk in the nipping autumn breeze.
   • There's a nipping chill in the air that feels great after a workout.

   Synonymesbriskcrispfreshinvigorating

   Antonymesbalmyhotmildwarm

• Verbe désignant l'action de pincer, mordre légèrement, couper un petit morceau ou effectuer un mouvement rapide et léger.

A verb used to indicate the act of pinching, biting, or cutting off a small piece, or moving quickly and lightly.

1. Squeeze tightlyB1formal

   To press or pinch something firmly between two surfaces, such as fingers or a tool.

   Pincer

   • She nipped the stem of the flower between her thumb and forefinger.
   • He nipped the wire with a pair of pliers.
   • The crab nipped my toe with its claw.

   Synonymesclampcompressgrippinchpresssqueezetweak

   Antonymesloosenrelease

2. Give a small sharp biteB1formal

   To bite something lightly and quickly, often causing a sharp but minor pain.

   Mordre légèrement et rapidement

   • The puppy nipped at my heels playfully.
   • A mosquito nipped me on the arm.
   • The fish nipped at the bait.

   Synonymesbitenibblepinchsnaptweak

3. Sever or remove by pinchingB2formal

   To cut or remove something by pinching or snipping it off.

   Couper en pinçant

   • She nipped off the dead leaves from the plant.
   • He nipped the thread with scissors.
   • The gardener nipped the buds to encourage growth.

   Synonymesclipcut offnip offseversnip

Variantes phrasalnip off