neck

neck [nek]

n.

[ME nekke < OE hnecca, akin to Ger nacken < IE base * ken-, to bend, squeeze > NOOK, NUT]

1. that part of a human or animal joining the head to the body, including the part of the backbone between the skull and the shoulders

2. a narrow part between the head, or end, and the body, or base, of any object [the neck of a violin, the neck of a goblet]

3. that part of a garment which covers, encircles, or is nearest the neck

4. the narrowest part of any object, considered to be like a neck; specif.,

a) a narrow strip of land

b) the narrowest part of an organ [the neck of the uterus, the neck of a tooth]

c) the narrowest or tapering part of a bottle, vase, etc.

d) a strait or channel

5. Geol. a vertical column of hardened igneous rock, formerly plugging a volcanic conduit and later exposed by erosion and weathering

vt.

1. to kill (a fowl) by twisting its neck

☆ 2. Slang to hug, kiss, and caress passionately

vi.

☆ Slang to engage in such passionate behavior

to engage in such passionate behavior

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break one's neck

Informal to try very hard

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☆ get it in the neck

Slang to be severely reprimanded or punished

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neck and crop

completely; entirely

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neck and neck

so close together in a race or contest that the outcome hangs in the balance

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neck of the woods

☆ a region or locality [not from this neck of the woods]

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risk one's neck

to put one's life, career, reputation, etc. in danger

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stick one's neck out

to expose oneself to possible failure, ridicule, loss, etc. by taking a chance

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win by a neck or lose by a neck

1. Horse Racing to win (or lose) by the length of a horse's head and neck

2. to win (or lose) any contest by a narrow margin

necker

n.