Etymology : earlier neble, nible, probably diminutive of neb, nib
Pronunciation : ni-p&l
Function : noun
Date : 1530
1. tip of mammary gland of mammals; place out of which milk flows from the female breast; any nipple-shaped device (e.g. pacifier, bottle top, etc.); threaded projection for connecting pipes. nipple\nip"ple\ , n. [formerly neble, a dim. of neb. see:
neb, nib.].
2. (anat.) the protuberance through which milk is drawn from the breast or mamma; the mammilla; a teat; a pap.
3. the orifice at which any animal liquid, as the oil from an oil bag, is discharged. [r.].
4. any small projection or article in which there is an orifice for discharging a fluid, or for other purposes; as, the nipple of a nursing bottle; the nipple of a percussion lock, or that part on which the cap is put and through which the fire passes to the charge.
5. (mech.) a pipe fitting, consisting of a short piece of pipe, usually provided with a screw thread at each end, for connecting two other fittings.
6. The protuberance through which milk is drawn from the breast or mamma; the mammilla; a teat; a pap.
7. The orifice at which any animal liquid, as the oil from an oil bag, is discharged.
8. Any small projection or article in which there is an orifice for discharging a fluid, or for other purposes; as, the nipple of a nursing bottle; the nipple of a percussion lock, or that part on which the cap is put and through which the fire passes to the charge.
9. A pipe fitting, consisting of a short piece of pipe, usually provided with a screw thread at each end, for connecting two other fittings. the small projection of a mammary gland.
10. 1. The nipples on someone's body are the two small pieces of slightly hard flesh on their chest. Babies suck milk from their mothers' breasts through their mothers' nipples. Sore nipples can inhibit the milk supply.
11. A nipple is a piece of rubber or plastic which is fitted to the top of a baby's bottle. a white plastic bottle with a rubber nipple.