Syringe
A syringe is a simple reciprocating pump consisting of a plunger (though in modern syringes it’s actually a piston) that fits tightly within a cylindrical tube called a barrel. The plunger can be linearly pulled and pushed along the inside of the tube, allowing the syringe to take in and expel liquid or gas through a discharge orifice at the front (open) end of the tube. The open end of the syringe may be fitted with a hypodermic needle, a nozzle or a tubing to help direct the flow into and out of the barrel. Syringes are frequently used in clinical medicine to administer injections, infuse intravenous therapy into the bloodstream, apply compounds such as glue or lubricant, and draw/measure liquids.
The word “syringe” is derived from the Greek σύριγξ (syrinx, meaning “tube”).
Needle (noun)
A fine, sharp implement usually for piercing such as sewing, or knitting, acupuncture, tattooing, body piercing, medical injections, etc.
“The seamstress threaded the needle to sew on a button.”
Needle (noun)
Any slender, pointed object resembling a needle, such as a pointed crystal, a sharp pinnacle of rock, an obelisk, etc.
Needle (noun)
A fine measurement indicator on a dial or graph, e.g. a compass needle.
“The needle on the fuel gauge pointed to empty.”
Needle (noun)
A sensor for playing phonograph records, a phonograph stylus.
“Ziggy bought some diamond needles for his hi-fi phonograph.”
Needle (noun)
A needle-like leaf found on some conifers.
Needle (noun)
}} The death penalty carried out by lethal injection.
Needle (noun)
A text string that is searched for within another string.
Needle (verb)
To pierce with a needle, especially for sewing or acupuncture.
Needle (verb)
To tease in order to provoke; to poke fun at.
“Billy needled his sister incessantly about her pimples.”
Needle (verb)
To form in the shape of a needle.
“to needle crystals”
Syringe (noun)
A device used for injecting or drawing fluids through a membrane.
Syringe (noun)
A device consisting of a hypodermic needle, a chamber for containing liquids, and a piston for applying pressure (to inject) or reducing pressure (to draw); a hypodermic syringe.
Syringe (verb)
To clean, or inject fluid, by means of a syringe.
“Have your ears syringed! They’re so dirty!”