Definition

1. Noun:

   • A sharp twist or bend in something that is normally straight: A kink is a small, tight curve or bend in a rope, wire, hair, or similar long, thin object.
   • A minor difficulty, flaw, or imperfection in a plan, system, or operation: A kink is a problem or complication that needs to be resolved.
   • A painful, involuntary cramp or stiffness in a muscle, especially in the neck or back.
   • (Informal) An unusual or unconventional sexual taste or practice.

2. Verb:

   • To form or cause to form a sharp twist, bend, or curl: To kink something is to make it develop a tight curve or loop.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • There was a kink in the garden hose, so the water wouldn't flow. (A sharp bend)
  • We've worked out most of the kinks in the new software. (Minor problems)
  • I woke up with a painful kink in my neck. (A muscle cramp)

• Verb:

  • The wire had kinked from being coiled too tightly. (Formed a sharp bend)
  • Be careful not to kink the cable when you install it. (Cause to form a bend)

Advanced Usage

• "to iron out the kinks": To solve the minor problems or difficulties in a plan or system.
  • The prototype is good, but we need a few more weeks to iron out the kinks.
• "to have a kink in one's neck/back": To experience a sudden, painful stiffness in a muscle.
  • She got a kink in her neck from sleeping in an awkward position.

Variants and Related Words

• Kinky (adjective):
  • Having kinks or twists. The old, kinky rope was difficult to untangle.
  • (Informal) Involving or given to unusual sexual practices. He was rumored to have kinky tastes.
• Kinkiness (noun): The state or quality of being kinky.

Synonyms

• Noun (bend): Bend, twist, curl, crimp, loop.
• Noun (problem): Snag, hitch, flaw, bug, glitch, imperfection.
• Verb: Curl, twist, bend, crimp, coil.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Kink up (verb): To become twisted or bent.
  • The hose kinked up and stopped the water flow completely.

Related Idioms

• "A kink in the armor": A variation of "a chink in the armor," meaning a weak point or vulnerability.
  • The investigation found a kink in the armor of their financial security.

Noun

1. a difficulty or flaw in a plan or operation
   • there are still a few kinks to iron out
2. an eccentric idea
3. a person with unusual sexual tastes
4. a sharp bend in a line produced when a line having a loop is pulled tight
5. a painful muscle spasm especially in the neck or back (`rick' and `wrick' are British)

Verb

1. form a curl, curve, or kink
   • the cigar smoke curled up at the ceiling
2. curl tightly
   • crimp hair