Definition of wick

The word "wick" has its roots in Old English and Germanic languages. The earliest recorded use of the word "wick" dates back to the 8th century, in the sense of "point" or "nose." This sense of the word is still seen in modern English, with "wicked" meaning "evil" or "malicious". In the 14th century, the word "wick" started to refer to a pointed or tapering piece of material, such as a wick of a candle or a wick of a plant. This sense of the word is likely derived from the Old English word "wicc", meaning "point" or "tip". The word "wick" has since evolved to refer to a variety of things, including the string-like material used in candles, the region around a river or harbor, and even a unit of land measurement. Despite its varied uses, the word "wick" retains its roots in Old English and Germanic languages.