n. 1 a very thin pointed rod of smooth steel etc. with a slit (‘eye’) for thread at the blunt end, used in sewing. b larger plastic, wooden, etc. slender rod without an eye, used in knitting etc. 2 pointer on a dial. 3 any of several small thin pointed instruments, esp.: a the end of a hypodermic syringe. b = STYLUS 1. 4 a obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle). b pointed rock or peak. 5 leaf of a fir or pine tree. 6 (the needle) slang fit of bad temper or nervousness. v. (ling) colloq. irritate; provoke. [Old English]
