beak

beak

noun \ˈbēk\

Definition of BEAK

1

a : the bill of a bird; especially : a strong short broad bill b (1) : the elongated sucking mouth of some insects (as the true bugs) (2) : any of various rigid projecting mouth structures (as of a turtle) c : the human nose

2

: a pointed structure or formation: a : a metal-pointed beam projecting from the bow especially of an ancient galley for piercing an enemy ship b : the spout of a vessel c : a continuous slight architectural projection ending in an arris — see molding illustration d : a process suggesting the beak of a bird

3

chiefly British a : magistrate b : headmaster

— beaked \ˈbēkt\ adjective

— beaky \ˈbē-kē\ adjective

Examples of BEAK

1. the beak of a hawk
2. an actor with a big beak

Origin of BEAK

Middle English bec, from Anglo-French, from Latin beccus, of Gaulish origin

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to BEAK

Synonyms: bill, neb, nib

Related Words: mouth; muzzle; mandible, maw, maxilla

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with BEAK

bleak, cheek, chic, cleek, clique, creak, creek, Creek, eke, flic, freak, geek, gleek, Greek, keek, leak, leek, meek, peak, peek, peke, pic, pique, reek, screak, seek, sheikh, shriek, sic, Sikh, sleek, sneak, speak, squeak, steek, streak, streek, teak, tweak, weak, week