nipple
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɪpəl/
US
- /ˈnɪpəl/
Description
- Breast projection
- milk duct outlet
- sensitive spot
- mechanical fitting
The nipple is the small raised part in the center of the breast in mammals, including humans. It is where milk comes out during feeding, so it is an important part of how babies are fed. It is also a very sensitive area because it has many nerve endings. Outside the body, the word is also used in plumbing and mechanics. There, a nipple is a short piece that connects pipes or other parts, or a small fitting that lets fluid or grease pass through. Because the word can refer to both the body and hardware, the meaning depends a lot on the context.
The nipple is a small, usually darker raised part on the surface of the breast in mammals. Its main biological purpose is to let milk come out during breastfeeding, giving nourishment to newborns. It has tiny openings connected to the milk ducts, which carry milk from the mammary glands. It is also a sensitive area because it contains many nerve endings, and this sensitivity can matter both in nursing and in sexual contexts.
The word "nipple" can sound purely medical in one situation and more personal in another. In health, anatomy, and biology, it is a normal anatomical term. In everyday conversation, fashion, or media, people may react to it more strongly because of its connection with the body, feeding, and sexuality. You may see the word in health articles, anatomy lessons, parenting materials, or discussions about clothing and the natural shape of the body.
The word also has an important mechanical meaning. In plumbing, engineering, and automotive work, a "nipple" is a short piece of pipe or a small metal fitting used to join parts or let liquid, air, or grease pass through. For example, a grease nipple is a small fitting through which lubricant is added to a machine. Because the word is used in both anatomy and hardware, understanding the setting is the key to using it correctly and respectfully.
Examples
- 1
Breastfeeding
The baby latched onto her nipple and started feeding.
- 2
Soreness
She bought a cream for sore nipples while she was breastfeeding.
- 3
Cold reaction
The cold made his nipples hard under his shirt.
- 4
Baby bottle
Replace the bottle nipple if it gets cracked.
Phrase
bottle nipple
the soft part of a baby bottle that a baby drinks from
- 5
Plumbing
The plumber connected the two pipes with a short nipple.
Domain
in plumbing, a pipe nipple
a short piece of pipe with threads at both ends
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nipplenounverb
Forms
- nipplespluralnounverb
- nippledpast tenseverbnoun
- nippling-ing formverbnoun