pickup

pickup [pik′up΄]

n.

1. the act of picking up, as in fielding a rapidly rolling baseball

2. the process or power of increasing in speed; acceleration

☆ 3. a small, open truck with low sides, for hauling light loads: in full pickup truck

4. Informal

a) a casual or informal acquaintance, as one formed with hope of sexual activity

b) a person with whom such an acquaintance is formed

☆ 5. Informal improvement or recovery, as in trade

☆ 6. Informal

a) a stimulant; bracer

b) stimulation

7.

a) in an electric phonograph, a device that produces audio-frequency currents from the vibrations of a needle or stylus moving in a record groove

b) the pivoted arm holding this device

8.

a) the reception of sound or light for conversion into electrical energy in the transmitter

b) the apparatus used for this

c) any place outside a studio where a broadcast originates

d) the electrical system connecting this place to the broadcasting station

9. a small microphone attached to a vibrating surface, as in an electric guitar

adj.

Informal

1. assembled informally for a single engagement, contest, etc. [a pickup jazz band or baseball team]

2. of a game or job performed or played by those assembled in this way

3. designating a window at a restaurant where prepared food can be bought by customers in cars