Definition

1. Noun:

   • A short, light, metallic sound: A sharp, ringing sound, often like that of coins or glasses lightly striking together.
   • A narrow opening or crack: A small gap, fissure, or slit, such as one between planks in a wall or a door.
   • (Ethnic slur, offensive) A derogatory term for a person of Chinese descent: An offensive and unacceptable term used as a racial slur.

2. Verb:

   • To make cracks or chinks in: To cause small cracks or narrow openings to form in something.
   • To fill the chinks of: To seal or close up small gaps or cracks, typically with a material like caulk.
   • To make or emit a high, light, metallic sound: To produce a sharp, ringing sound like that of metal or glass.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Sound):
  • I heard the chink of glasses as they toasted.
• Noun (Opening):
  • Light shone through a chink in the curtains.
• Verb (To make a sound):
  • The ice cubes chinked in the glass.
• Verb (To crack):
  • The dry earth was chinked with deep fissures.

Advanced Usage

• "Chink in one's armor": A metaphor for a vulnerable point or weakness in an otherwise strong defense or argument.
  • His lack of formal education was seen as the chink in his armor.

Variants and Related Words

• Chinky (adj, offensive): An offensive adjective derived from the slur. Its use is strongly discouraged.

Synonyms

• Noun (Sound): Clink, tinkle, ring, ping.
• Noun (Opening): Crack, fissure, crevice, gap, slit.
• Verb (Sound): Clink, tinkle, jingle.

Important Note on Offensive Usage

The use of "chink" as a noun referring to a person is a severe ethnic slur. It is deeply offensive and should never be used. This explanation is provided solely for educational awareness. Always use respectful and appropriate language.

Noun

1. a short light metallic sound
2. a narrow opening as e.g. between planks in a wall
3. (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Chinese descent

Verb

1. make cracks or chinks in
   • The heat checked the paint
2. fill the chinks of, as with caulking
3. make or emit a high sound
   • tinkling bells