n.
- a coloured fluid used for writing, drawing, or printing.
- Zoology a black liquid ejected by a cuttlefish, octopus, or squid to confuse a predator.
v.
- write or mark with ink.
▸cover (type or a stamp) with ink before printing.
- N. Amer. informal sign and secure (a contract).
Derivative
Etymology
ME enke, inke, from OFr. enque, via late L. from Gk enkauston, denoting the purple ink used by Roman emperors for signatures, from enkaiein ‘burn in’.