dipstick

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈdɪpstɪk/

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Noun

Singular dipstick

Plural dipsticks

A dipstick used to measure the level of engine oil.

1. (countable) A dipstick is a tool. The most familiar dipstick is the one used to measure the amount of oil in a car's engine. Another dipstick is made of litmus paper. It is dipped into urine to test for ketosis.

Verb

Plain form dipstick

Third-person singular dipsticks

Past tense dipsticked

Past participle dipsticked

Present participle dipsticking

1. If you dipstick a person, you check their understanding of something.
2. (engineering) If you dipstick a car, you measure the level of a fluid using a dipstick.