Dipstick

Quick meaning: Dipstick is a noun meaning (transitive) To check (a person) for their understanding of something, as of a lesson, or attitude toward something.

Meaning

(transitive) To check (a person) for their understanding of something, as of a lesson, or attitude toward something.

More Meanings

1. (mechanical engineering, transitive) To measure the level of a fluid using a dipstick.
2. A stick or rod used to measure the depth of a liquid. Often used to check the level at which a liquid in an opaque or inaccessible tank or reservoir stands; gauge.
3. (obsolete, derogatory) An exciseman or supervisor who measures with a dipstick.
4. (slang) The penis.
5. (slang, derogatory) A useless person of inferior intellect; a dipshit.

Example Sentences

That referee is a right dipstick.

I haven't checked the oil level of my car's motor since I lost the dipstick three months ago.

In private, Secretary Powell, an amateur automotive mechanic, complains that old friends spend too much time sympathetically taking his temperature — “dip-sticking me,” as he puts it.

If one of the fuel gauges is inoperative (flight is not permitted if both have failed), the tanks have to be dipsticked before and after each fueling to confirm the aircraft's fuel status.

Word Forms

• dipsticks
• dip-stick
• dipsticking
• dipsticked

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include fluid, gauge, pushrod, wand, tonnage, rod.

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