Ticks

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /tɪks/

Definitions

1. A tiny parasite that feeds on the blood of mammals and birds ; a symbol used to indicate a choice or completion ; a brief, sharp repetitive noise
2. A small arachnid known for biting and feeding on hosts ; a mark used to show approval or to select items ; a quick, crisp sound that often signals the passage of time
3. An insect-like parasite that attaches to animals and humans to suck blood ; a checkmark used to confirm or identify something ; a short, sharp clicking or tapping noise

Etymology: The bloodsucking tick and the tap-tick are not related, which is a surprise given how often they share a page. The parasite came into English from Old English "ticia", a word that traces back to a common Germanic ancestor and matches modern German "Zecke" and Dutch "teek". The sound of a clock or a light tap is a different word entirely. It comes from a Middle English noun for a light touch, which in turn grew from a verb meaning to touch or tap, probably from Old English "ticcian", whose relatives include German "zecken" meaning to nudge or poke. The plural "ticks" is simply the form of "tick" with its -s ending, so the two unrelated histories above are the ones that matter here. The checkmark-like symbol and the "tick" of a clock both descend from the tapping sense, which is why the sharp noise and the mark of completion sit so comfortably together.

Synonyms: mites, parasites, bloodsuckers, ectoparasites, creatures