Definition

1. Noun:

   • A colored fluid used for writing, drawing, or printing: "Ink" is a liquid or paste containing pigments or dyes, used with a pen, brush, or in printing presses to produce text or images on a surface.
   • A dark fluid ejected for defense by cephalopods: "Ink" can also refer to the dark, protective fluid released into the water by animals like cuttlefish, octopuses, and squid to confuse predators.

2. Verb:

   • To apply ink to something: To mark, coat, cover, or fill something with ink.
   • To sign a document: To append one's signature to a contract or other formal document, making it official.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • Please write your name in blue or black ink.
  • The printer is running low on cyan ink.
  • The octopus released a cloud of ink to escape.

• Verb:

  • The artist carefully inked the outlines of the drawing.
  • Remember to ink the stamp before using it.
  • Both parties inked the deal yesterday afternoon.

Advanced Usage

• "to ink in": To draw or write over something in ink, often after a pencil sketch.

  • She penciled the design first and then inked it in for permanence.

• "ink-stained": Marked or soiled with ink.

  • The old librarian had ink-stained fingers from handling so many documents.

Variants and Related Words

• Inky (adj): Resembling ink in color; very dark or black.

  • The night was inky and starless.

• Inkjet (n): A type of printer that propels droplets of ink onto paper.

  • An inkjet printer is good for printing high-quality photos.

• Inkwell (n): A small pot or container for holding ink, often set into a desk.

  • The antique desk had a brass inkwell.

Synonyms

• Noun: Fluid, dye, pigment.
• Verb: Sign, endorse, autograph.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Ink out: To obliterate or cross out with ink.
  • The editor inked out the confidential paragraph.

Related Idioms

• "Pen and ink": Referring to the tools or act of writing or drawing.

  • The contract was finalized with pen and ink.

• "Ink still wet": Referring to something very new or recently signed/printed.

  • The agreement was so new, the ink was still wet on the page.

Noun

1. dark protective fluid ejected into the water by cuttlefish and other cephalopods
2. a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing

Verb

1. fill with ink
   • ink a pen
2. mark, coat, cover, or stain with ink
   • he inked his finger
3. append one's signature to
   • They inked the contract