duck1
n.
(pl. same or ducks)
- a waterbird with a broad, blunt bill, short legs, and webbed feet, some kinds of which are domesticated.
[Family Anatidae: many species.]
▸a female duck. Contrasted with drake.
- a pure white thin-shelled bivalve mollusc found off the Atlantic coasts of America.
[Genus Anatina.]
Phrase
- get
(or have)
one's ducks in a row
N. Amer. informal get (or have) everything organized. - like water off a duck's back
referring to a hurtful remark which has no effect. - take to something like a duck to water
take to something very readily.
Etymology
OE duce, from the Gmc base of duck2 (expressing the notion of ‘diving bird’).
duck2
v.
- lower the head or body quickly to avoid a blow or missile or so as not to be seen.
- informal evade (an unwelcome duty).
- push (someone) under water.
- Bridge refrain from playing a winning card on a particular trick for tactical reasons.
n.
a quick lowering of the head.
Phrase
- duck and dive
Brit. use one's ingenuity to deal with or evade a situation.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: of Gmc origin; rel. to duck1.
duck3
n.
Cricket a batsman's score of nought.
Phrase
- break one's duck
Cricket score the first run of one's innings.
Etymology
C19: short for duck's egg, used for the figure 0.
duck4
n.
Brit. informal dear (used as an affectionate form of address).
Etymology
C16: from duck1.
duck5
n.
a strong linen or cotton fabric, used chiefly for work clothes and sails.
▸
(ducks)
trousers made from duck.
Etymology
C17: from MDu. doek ‘linen’.