9 May 2017
clinker(1)
[kling-ker]
noun
1. a mass of incombustible matter fused together, as in the burning of coal.
2. a hard Dutch brick, used especially for paving.
3. a partially vitrified mass of brick.
4. the scale of oxide formed on iron during forging.
5. Geology. a mass of vitrified material ejected from a volcano.
verb (used without object)
6. to form clinkers in burning.
Origin of clinker(1)
Dutch
1635-1645 First recorded in 1635-45, clinker is from the Dutch word klinker kind of brick, slag
clinker(2)
[kling-ker]
noun
1. a person or thing that clinks.
Origin
First recorded in 1680-90; clink1+ -er1
clinker(3)
[kling-ker]
noun, Slang.
1. a wrong note in a musical performance.
2. any mistake or error.
3. something that is a failure; a product of inferior quality.
4. British. someone or something wonderful or exceedingly well-liked.
Origin
First recorded in 1830-40; special use of clinker(2)
Dictionary.com
Examples from the Web for clinker Expand
Historical Examples
They, the clinker canoes, are easily tightened when they spring a leak through being rattled over stones in rapids.
Woodcraft and Camping
George Washington Sears (Nessmuk)
“I thought it looked too easy,” I sighed, waiting for the clinker.
Double or Nothing
Jack Sharkey
The ‘King’s Fisher,’ (p. 153) as the sketch shows, was clinker built.
Yachting Vol. 2
Various.
Then pull forward a second portion of the fire, and spread it on the bars, removing the clinker as before.
Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II
Joshua Rose
He examined this ” clinker ” after it cooled, and it interested him.
Earth and Sky Every Child Should Know
Julia Ellen Rogers
Anagram
crinkle
in clerk
Today’s quote
I am just old-fashioned enough to prefer long hair.
– Erich von Stroheim
On this day
9 May – Russian Victory Day which marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
9 May 1960 – the ‘pill’, a contraceptive, is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is now used by 100 million women worldwide.
9 May 1970 – 100,000 protestors gather near the White House to protest US involvement in the war in Cambodia.
9 May 1994 – Nelson Mandela is chosen by the newly-elected South African parliament to be the country’s new President.