Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A threepenny piece.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Optional singular for thrips, an insect of the order Thysanoptera.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun any of various small to minute sucking insects with narrow feathery wings if any; they feed on plant sap and many are destructive

Etymologies

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Examples

Comments

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  • Merriam-Webster: any of an order (Thysanoptera) of small to minute sucking insects, many of which feed often destructively on plant juices.

    OED: noun. slang for threepence. Usage: "A little boy who wanted to buy a thrip's worth of candy."

    Also verb. To make a noise with thumb and fingers; to snap.

    I like Merriam-Webster better.

    February 5, 2007

  • There was a parasite, & he with clapping his hands and thripping his fingers seemed to dance an antike to and fro.

    - Thomas Nashe, The Unfortunate Traveller, 1594

    April 14, 2010

  • Thrip. I just love saying this word. Thrip. Thrip. Thrip. (See plinth.)

    February 22, 2011