Word of the Day 12.10.08

pique

pique (pk)

n.

A state of vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; a feeling of wounded pride.

tr.v. piqued, piqu·ing, piques

1. To cause to feel resentment or indignation.

2. To provoke; arouse: The portrait piqued her curiosity.

3. To pride (oneself): He piqued himself on his stylish attire.


[French, a prick, irritation, from Old French, from piquer, to prick, from Vulgar Latin *piccre, ultimately of imitative origin.]


pi·qué (p-k, p-)

n.

A tightly woven fabric with various raised patterns, produced especially by a double warp.


[French, past participle of piquer, to quilt, from Old French, to backstitch, prick; see pique.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Noun 1. pique – tightly woven fabric with raised cords

cloth, fabric, textile, material – artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers; “the fabric in the curtains was light and semitransparent”; “woven cloth originated in Mesopotamia around 5000 BC”; “she measured off enough material for a dress”
2. pique – a sudden outburst of anger; “his temper sparked like damp firewood”

vexation, annoyance, chafe – anger produced by some annoying irritation
Verb 1. pique – cause to feel resentment or indignation; “Her tactless remark offended me”

anger – make angry; “The news angered him”

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

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Posted on December 10, 2008 by admin

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