squib (skw b)n. 1. a. A small firecracker. b. A broken firecracker that burns but does not explode. 2. a. A brief satirical or witty writing or speech, such as a lampoon. b. A short, sometimes humorous piece in a newspaper or magazine, usually used as a filler. v. squibbed, squib·bing, squibs v.intr. To write or utter squibs. v.tr. 1. To write or utter squibs against; lampoon. 2. Football To kick (the ball) low on a kickoff so that it bounces along the ground. [Probably imitative.] |
squib [skwɪb]
n
1. (Chemistry) a firework, usually having a tube filled with gunpowder, that burns with a hissing noise and culminates in a small explosion
2. (Chemistry) a firework that does not explode because of a fault; dud
3. a short witty attack; lampoon
4. (Astronautics) an electric device for firing a rocket engine
5. Obsolete an insignificant person
6. Austral and NZ slang a coward
damp squib something intended but failing to impress
vb squibs, squibbing, squibbed
1. (intr) to sound, move, or explode like a squib
2. (intr) to let off or shoot a squib
3. to write a squib against (someone)
4. (intr) to move in a quick irregular fashion
5. (intr) Austral slang to behave in a cowardly fashion
[probably imitative of a quick light explosion]
Squib a small measure of quantity, 1766.
Examples: squib of gin, 1805; of punch, 1766.
A small pyrotechnic device that may be used to fire the igniter in a rocket or for some similar purpose. Not to be confused with a detonator that explodes.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  squib - firework consisting of a tube filled with powder (as a broken firecracker) that burns with a fizzing noisefirework, pyrotechnic - (usually plural) a device with an explosive that burns at a low rate and with colored flames; can be used to illuminate areas or send signals etc. |
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