Definitions

1. noun

A small arachnid that sucks the blood of animals or humans, typically attached to the skin by its mouthparts.

“The hiker was bitten by a tick while walking through the forest.”

2. noun

A small mark or spot, especially one made by a pen or pencil.

“There was a tiny tick on the corner of the page.”

3. noun

A unit of time, equal to one hundred years or one million years in geological time.

“The rock formation dates back to the tick of the Permian period.”

4. verb

To strike or make a sharp, clicking sound, typically with the tongue.

“She ticked her tongue in annoyance.”

5. verb

To make a small mark or spot, especially with a pen or pencil.

“He ticked off the items on the list.”

6. verb

To cause to strike or make a sharp, clicking sound, typically with the tongue.

“The teacher ticked the student for talking out of turn.”

7. interjection

Used to express approval or agreement.

“Tick, that’s a great idea!”

8. adverb

At a rate of one unit of time, especially one hundred years or one million years, per unit of time.

“The rock formation is currently ticking at a rate of one million years per million years.”