l'aiguille in 30 Seconds
- L'aiguille: a sharp, slender metal tool.
- Used for sewing, injections, clock hands, and compass pointers.
- Feminine noun, crucial in medical and crafting contexts.
- Key word for precision and piercing actions.
- Definition
- In French, l'aiguille (feminine noun) refers to a fine, slender piece of metal with a sharp point at one end and an eye or hole at the other. Its most common and crucial use is in medical contexts for injections and drawing blood. Think of the sharp part that pierces the skin and the hollow part that carries the liquid. Beyond its medical application, the term can also refer to the needle of a compass, indicating direction, or the hands of a clock or watch, showing the time. In sewing, it's the tool used with thread to mend or create fabric. The word evokes precision, sharpness, and a tool designed for piercing or indicating.
Une piqûre nécessite une aiguille stérile.
- Medical Context
- In hospitals and clinics, nurses and doctors use 'l'aiguille' for administering medication, vaccines, or for taking blood samples. The phrase 'une piqûre d'aiguille' specifically means a needle prick or injection. The size and type of needle can vary depending on the procedure, but the fundamental tool remains 'l'aiguille'. Patients often feel a brief sting as the needle penetrates the skin. It's essential that these needles are always new and sterile to prevent infection.
Le médecin a retiré l'aiguille après avoir prélevé le sang.
- Other Uses
- Beyond medicine, 'l'aiguille' is also used for sewing. A seamstress uses a needle and thread to mend clothes or create new garments. 'Une aiguille à coudre' is a sewing needle. In navigation, a compass has an 'aiguille' that points north. Similarly, the hands on a clock face are called 'aiguilles' – 'l'aiguille des heures' (hour hand), 'l'aiguille des minutes' (minute hand), and 'l'aiguille des secondes' (second hand). The common thread in all these uses is the sharp, slender, pointed nature of the object, used for piercing, indicating, or drawing. Understanding these varied contexts helps grasp the full semantic range of the word.
- Precision and Sharpness
- The core concept behind 'l'aiguille' is precision and sharpness. Whether it's precisely piercing skin for a medical procedure, precisely indicating a direction on a compass, or precisely marking time on a clock, the word is tied to accuracy. This is why it's a suitable term for these diverse, often delicate, instruments. The sharpness is essential for its function, whether it's to penetrate fabric or skin, or to be fine enough to move without obstruction on a dial or compass.
- Medical Injections
- The most frequent use of 'l'aiguille' is in medical contexts. It refers to the hollow needle used for injections or drawing blood. For example, 'Le médecin utilise une aiguille fine pour administrer le vaccin.' (The doctor uses a fine needle to administer the vaccine.) Another common sentence is, 'Elle a ressenti une légère douleur quand l'aiguille a pénétré sa peau.' (She felt a slight pain when the needle penetrated her skin.) When discussing blood tests, you might hear, 'Le technicien insère l'aiguille dans la veine pour prélever du sang.' (The technician inserts the needle into the vein to draw blood.) It's crucial to emphasize sterility: 'Il est impératif d'utiliser une aiguille stérile pour chaque patient.' (It is imperative to use a sterile needle for each patient.) The process of getting an injection is often referred to as 'une piqûre', which directly involves 'l'aiguille'.
Le patient a demandé une autre aiguille pour le médicament.
- Sewing and Crafts
- In the realm of sewing and crafts, 'l'aiguille' refers to the tool used with thread. A seamstress or tailor uses it to mend clothes or create new ones. A typical sentence would be, 'Elle a besoin d'une aiguille à coudre pour réparer ce bouton.' (She needs a sewing needle to fix this button.) In crafting, one might say, 'Utilisez une grosse aiguille pour ce projet de tapisserie.' (Use a large needle for this tapestry project.) If you are learning to sew, your instructor might say, 'Fais attention à ne pas te piquer avec l'aiguille.' (Be careful not to prick yourself with the needle.) This usage highlights the piercing and guiding function of the needle with thread.
Il a fallu beaucoup de patience pour passer le fil dans l'aiguille.
- Timekeeping and Navigation
- 'L'aiguille' also applies to the hands of a clock or the needle of a compass. For a clock, you'd say, 'Regarde l'aiguille des minutes, elle avance lentement.' (Look at the minute hand, it's moving slowly.) Or, 'L'aiguille des heures pointe vers le chiffre trois.' (The hour hand points to the number three.) For a compass, a common phrase is, 'L'aiguille de la boussole indique toujours le nord.' (The compass needle always points north.) These sentences emphasize the pointing and indicating function of the 'aiguille'. In both cases, it's a slender pointer that shows a specific value or direction.
- Figurative Language
- While less common for beginners, 'l'aiguille' can sometimes be used figuratively to describe something very thin or sharp, or a point of focus. However, for CEFR B1 learners, sticking to the literal meanings is advisable. The literal uses are abundant and essential for everyday communication.
- Doctor's Offices and Hospitals
- This is arguably the most common place you'll hear 'l'aiguille'. Conversations about medical procedures, vaccinations, blood tests, or treatments invariably involve this word. You might hear a nurse say to a patient, 'Ça va faire un petit peu mal, c'est juste l'aiguille.' (It will hurt a little, it's just the needle.) Or a doctor explaining a treatment: 'Nous allons utiliser une aiguille pour injecter le médicament directement dans l'articulation.' (We will use a needle to inject the medication directly into the joint.) In a lab setting, you might overhear technicians discussing blood draws: 'Quelle taille d'aiguille faut-il pour ce patient ?' (What size needle is needed for this patient?). Even in emergency rooms, the urgency of needing 'une aiguille' is paramount.
Le pédiatre a utilisé une petite aiguille pour le vaccin de l'enfant.
- Tailor Shops and Fabric Stores
- For anyone involved in sewing, tailoring, or even intricate craftwork, 'l'aiguille' is a daily tool. You might hear a tailor say, 'Je dois trouver une aiguille assez solide pour traverser ce tissu épais.' (I need to find a needle strong enough to go through this thick fabric.) In a fabric store, a customer might ask for advice: 'Quelle sorte d'aiguille recommandez-vous pour la broderie ?' (What kind of needle do you recommend for embroidery?) If you're getting clothes mended, the tailor might mention, 'Je vais utiliser une aiguille spéciale pour ce type de réparation.' (I will use a special needle for this type of repair.) The context here is always about stitching, mending, or creating with thread.
La couturière a une collection d'aiguilles de différentes tailles.
- Watchmakers and Jewelers
- Watchmakers and jewelers work with extremely fine instruments, and 'l'aiguille' is central to their vocabulary when referring to the hands of a watch or clock. You might hear them discussing repairs: 'L'aiguille des secondes est tombée.' (The second hand has fallen off.) Or explaining a design: 'Ce modèle a des aiguilles fines et élégantes.' (This model has thin and elegant hands.) Even in a jewelry store, when looking at a clock, a salesperson might point out, 'Vous voyez, l'aiguille du temps avance.' (You see, the time hand is moving forward.)
- Navigational and Outdoor Enthusiasts
- People who use compasses, whether for hiking, sailing, or other outdoor activities, will frequently use 'l'aiguille'. A hiker might say, 'Vérifions l'aiguille de la boussole pour s'assurer qu'on va dans la bonne direction.' (Let's check the compass needle to make sure we're going in the right direction.) Or a sailor might be told, 'Garde un œil sur l'aiguille, le vent change.' (Keep an eye on the needle, the wind is changing.) This usage emphasizes direction and guidance.
- Confusing with 'Ail' (Garlic)
- A very common phonetic confusion for learners is between 'l'aiguille' (needle) and 'l'ail' (garlic). They sound quite similar, especially to an English speaker's ear. Mistaking one for the other can lead to humorous or nonsensical sentences. For instance, saying 'Je vais faire une piqûre d'ail' (I'm going to do a garlic injection) instead of 'Je vais faire une piqûre d'aiguille' (I'm going to do a needle injection) is a clear error. Always remember that 'aiguille' is for piercing and 'ail' is for seasoning food.
Incorrect: J'ai besoin d'ail pour coudre le bouton.
- Gender Agreement
- 'L'aiguille' is a feminine noun. Learners sometimes forget this and might use masculine articles or adjectives. For example, saying 'le aiguille' instead of 'l'aiguille' (the needle) or 'un bon aiguille' instead of 'une bonne aiguille' (a good needle). Remember that even though it starts with a vowel, 'aiguille' is feminine, hence 'l'' is used before it, and adjectives modifying it must agree in the feminine form.
Incorrect: J'ai perdu le aiguille.
- Pluralization
- While 'l'aiguille' is singular, its plural form 'les aiguilles' is very common, especially when referring to clock hands or multiple needles. Learners might incorrectly use the singular form when the plural is needed. For instance, saying 'l'aiguille de l'horloge pointe vers midi' when referring to both hands is less precise than 'les aiguilles de l'horloge pointent vers midi' (The clock hands point to noon). Conversely, using the plural when only one needle is meant can also be an error. Pay attention to context: are you talking about one needle or multiple?
- Contextual Misapplication
- Using 'l'aiguille' in contexts where it doesn't fit is another mistake. For example, referring to a knitting needle as 'une aiguille' without further specification might be confusing, as knitting needles are typically called 'une aiguille à tricoter'. While related, the specific term is better. Similarly, using it for very large, non-pointed objects would be incorrect. The core meaning is a fine, sharp, pointed instrument.
- 'Pointe' (Point)
- L'aiguille is a specific type of 'pointe'. 'Pointe' is a general term for a point, tip, or peak. While an 'aiguille' has a point, not every 'pointe' is an 'aiguille'. For example, the tip of a pencil is a 'pointe', but it's not an 'aiguille'. However, the sharp end of an 'aiguille' is indeed its 'pointe'.
- Example Comparison: 'La pointe de l'aiguille est très fine.' (The point of the needle is very fine.) Here, 'pointe' refers to the sharp end, while 'aiguille' is the entire object.
- 'Stylet' (Stylus/Probe)
- A 'stylet' is also a slender, pointed instrument, often used in medical procedures or for probing. It can be similar to an 'aiguille' in its thinness and point, but 'stylet' often implies a more solid, less hollow instrument, or one used for manipulation rather than injection. Think of a surgical probe or a stylus for a touchscreen device.
- Example Comparison: 'Le chirurgien utilise un stylet pour explorer la plaie.' (The surgeon uses a probe to explore the wound.) This contrasts with 'Le médecin utilise une aiguille pour injecter le médicament.' (The doctor uses a needle to inject the medication.)
- 'Bâtonnet' (Stick/Rod)
- 'Bâtonnet' refers to a small stick or rod. While an 'aiguille' is slender and can be thought of as a type of stick, 'bâtonnet' lacks the critical characteristic of being sharp and pointed for piercing. A cotton swab is a 'bâtonnet ouaté'.
- Example Comparison: 'J'ai utilisé un bâtonnet pour nettoyer mes oreilles.' (I used a stick [cotton swab] to clean my ears.) This is clearly different from the function of 'l'aiguille'.
- 'Aiguille' (Sewing Needle, Compass Needle, Clock Hand)
- Within the broader category of 'aiguille', there are specific types: 'aiguille à coudre' (sewing needle), 'aiguille de boussole' (compass needle), and 'aiguille d'horloge' (clock hand). While all are 'aiguilles', these specific terms provide more clarity about their function and context.
- Example Comparison: 'Le médecin a utilisé une aiguille hypodermique.' (The doctor used a hypodermic needle.) vs. 'L'aiguille de la montre s'est arrêtée.' (The watch's hand [needle] stopped.)
- 'Piqûre' (Prick/Injection)
- 'Piqûre' is the action or result of being pricked, most commonly referring to an injection. It's closely related to 'l'aiguille' because an 'aiguille' is the tool used for a 'piqûre'. You don't use an 'aiguille' without the potential for a 'piqûre', and a 'piqûre' typically involves an 'aiguille'.
- Example Comparison: 'La piqûre était indolore grâce à la nouvelle aiguille.' (The injection was painless thanks to the new needle.)
Fun Fact
The Latin root 'acus' for needle is also the root of the English word 'acute', referring to a sharp angle or a sharp illness. This connection highlights the core concept of sharpness associated with 'aiguille'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'gui' as separate 'g' and 'ui' sounds.
- Not clearly articulating the final 'ille' sound.
- Confusing it with similar-sounding words like 'ail' (garlic).
Examples by Level
Le docteur a une aiguille.
The doctor has a needle.
Simple sentence structure, singular noun.
L'aiguille est petite.
The needle is small.
Adjective agreement with a feminine noun.
J'ai vu une aiguille.
I saw a needle.
Past tense verb with a direct object.
C'est une aiguille.
It is a needle.
Demonstrative pronoun and noun.
L'aiguille est dans la boîte.
The needle is in the box.
Prepositional phrase indicating location.
L'aiguille pique.
The needle pricks.
Simple verb describing action.
Je veux une aiguille.
I want a needle.
Verb of desire.
Où est l'aiguille ?
Where is the needle?
Interrogative sentence.
Le médecin utilise une aiguille pour la piqûre.
The doctor uses a needle for the injection.
Use of instrumental preposition 'pour'.
Elle coud avec une aiguille et du fil.
She sews with a needle and thread.
Conjunction 'et' connecting nouns.
Regarde l'aiguille de la montre, il est midi.
Look at the clock's hand, it's noon.
Possessive structure with 'de'.
J'ai besoin d'une nouvelle aiguille à coudre.
I need a new sewing needle.
Adjective placement before the noun.
L'aiguille de la boussole pointe vers le nord.
The compass needle points north.
Verb indicating direction.
Fais attention à ne pas te piquer avec l'aiguille.
Be careful not to prick yourself with the needle.
Reflexive verb and cautionary phrase.
Le patient avait peur de l'aiguille.
The patient was afraid of the needle.
Preposition 'de' after an adjective.
Il a trouvé une vieille aiguille rouillée.
He found an old, rusty needle.
Multiple adjectives describing a noun.
Le personnel médical utilise des aiguilles stériles pour éviter les infections.
Medical staff use sterile needles to avoid infections.
Plural noun, infinitive clause of purpose.
Elle a appris à coudre avec une aiguille et du fil, développant ainsi une nouvelle compétence.
She learned to sew with a needle and thread, thus developing a new skill.
Gerund phrase, conjunctive adverb 'ainsi'.
L'aiguille des minutes sur l'horloge ancienne avance plus lentement que celle des secondes.
The minute hand on the antique clock moves slower than the second hand.
Comparative structure, possessive 'celle'.
Pour ce type de tissu délicat, il faut une aiguille spéciale et un fil résistant.
For this type of delicate fabric, a special needle and a strong thread are necessary.
Impersonal construction 'il faut'.
En cas de doute sur la direction, consultez l'aiguille de la boussole.
In case of doubt about the direction, consult the compass needle.
Conditional phrase, imperative verb.
Le chirurgien a dû retirer l'aiguille chirurgicale avec précaution.
The surgeon had to carefully remove the surgical needle.
Past infinitive, adverb placement.
La vaccination a été rapide, mais la piqûre de l'aiguille a laissé une petite marque.
The vaccination was quick, but the needle prick left a small mark.
Noun phrase, past tense verb with object.
Il est essentiel de ne jamais réutiliser une aiguille d'injection pour des raisons d'hygiène.
It is essential never to reuse an injection needle for hygiene reasons.
Modal verb 'est essentiel de', infinitive phrase.
L'introduction d'une aiguille fine permet une administration plus douce du médicament.
The introduction of a fine needle allows for a gentler administration of the medication.
Nominalization, adjective modifying noun.
Les artisans utilisent des aiguilles spécialisées pour des techniques de broderie complexes.
Artisans use specialized needles for complex embroidery techniques.
Plural noun with adjective, prepositional phrase.
La précision de l'aiguille des heures sur cette montre ancienne est remarquable.
The precision of the hour hand on this antique watch is remarkable.
Abstract noun, possessive structure.
Lors d'une excursion en plein air, une boussole fiable avec une aiguille sensible est indispensable.
During an outdoor excursion, a reliable compass with a sensitive needle is essential.
Adjective agreement, relative clause implied.
La technique consistait à introduire une aiguille creuse pour drainer le liquide accumulé.
The technique consisted of inserting a hollow needle to drain the accumulated fluid.
Gerund as object of preposition, infinitive of purpose.
Il est crucial de s'assurer que l'aiguille est correctement orientée avant de procéder.
It is crucial to ensure that the needle is correctly oriented before proceeding.
Impersonal adjective, passive infinitive.
La sensation de l'aiguille traversant le tissu était presque imperceptible.
The sensation of the needle passing through the fabric was almost imperceptible.
Gerund phrase, adjective describing sensation.
Les professionnels de santé insistent sur l'importance d'une aiguille à usage unique.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of a single-use needle.
Nominalization, compound adjective.
La subtilité de l'injection réside dans la finesse de l'aiguille utilisée, minimisant ainsi l'inconfort du patient.
The subtlety of the injection lies in the fineness of the needle used, thus minimizing patient discomfort.
Abstract nouns, participial phrase of result.
Dans l'artisanat d'art, le choix de l'aiguille adéquate conditionne la réussite des motifs les plus délicats.
In fine crafts, the choice of the adequate needle determines the success of the most delicate patterns.
Nominal subject, verb of conditionality.
L'alignement parfait de l'aiguille des heures et des minutes est souvent le signe d'une horloge de haute précision.
The perfect alignment of the hour and minute hands is often a sign of a high-precision clock.
Abstract noun phrase, genitive construction.
La navigation moderne a largement supplanté l'usage de la boussole, mais l'aiguille magnétique demeure un symbole de direction.
Modern navigation has largely supplanted the use of the compass, but the magnetic needle remains a symbol of direction.
Past participle used as adjective, abstract noun.
Le prélèvement d'échantillons biologiques requiert une manipulation experte de l'aiguille pour garantir l'intégrité des données.
The collection of biological samples requires expert manipulation of the needle to guarantee data integrity.
Nominalization, infinitive of purpose.
La résilience du matériau de l'aiguille est primordiale pour supporter les contraintes mécaniques répétées.
The resilience of the needle's material is paramount to withstand repeated mechanical stresses.
Abstract noun, infinitive phrase of purpose.
L'esthétique d'une montre se mesure souvent à la finesse et à la lisibilité de ses aiguilles.
A watch's aesthetics are often measured by the fineness and legibility of its hands.
Possessive structure, abstract nouns.
La procédure implique l'insertion d'une aiguille fine sous guidage échographique pour atteindre la zone cible.
The procedure involves inserting a fine needle under ultrasound guidance to reach the target area.
Gerund as subject, prepositional phrase of guidance.
La conception d'une aiguille hypodermique avancée vise à optimiser la pénétration tissulaire tout en minimisant la douleur post-injection.
The design of an advanced hypodermic needle aims to optimize tissue penetration while minimizing post-injection pain.
Nominalization, infinitive of purpose, participial phrase.
Les maîtres brodeurs sélectionnent méticuleusement leurs aiguilles, car chaque type est intrinsèquement lié à la texture et à la finesse du fil.
Master embroiderers meticulously select their needles, as each type is intrinsically linked to the texture and fineness of the thread.
Adverb placement, subordinate clause of reason.
L'élégance intemporelle d'une montre classique réside souvent dans la pureté des lignes de ses aiguilles, un équilibre subtil entre fonction et forme.
The timeless elegance of a classic watch often lies in the purity of its hands' lines, a subtle balance between function and form.
Abstract nouns, appositive phrase.
Bien que supplantée par la technologie GPS, la boussole et son aiguille magnétique gardent une valeur symbolique et pratique dans l'exploration.
Although supplanted by GPS technology, the compass and its magnetic needle retain symbolic and practical value in exploration.
Past participle clause, conjunction 'bien que'.
La précision de l'acte médical dépend non seulement de l'habileté du praticien mais aussi de la qualité intrinsèque de l'aiguille utilisée.
The precision of the medical act depends not only on the practitioner's skill but also on the intrinsic quality of the needle used.
Correlative conjunction 'non seulement... mais aussi'.
Le filage des fibres naturelles exige des aiguilles adaptées, dont la forme et la taille garantissent une manipulation aisée sans rupture.
Spinning natural fibers requires adapted needles, whose shape and size ensure easy handling without breakage.
Relative pronoun 'dont', subordinate clause.
L'évolution des mécanismes horlogers a conduit à la miniaturisation extrême des aiguilles, permettant des cadrans plus complexes et élégants.
The evolution of watchmaking mechanisms has led to the extreme miniaturization of hands, allowing for more complex and elegant dials.
Nominalization, participial phrase.
La recherche de nouvelles thérapies implique souvent l'usage d'aiguilles micro-fines pour des administrations ciblées et moins invasives.
Research into new therapies often involves the use of micro-fine needles for targeted and less invasive administrations.
Prepositional phrase of purpose, compound adjective.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— This refers to the act of being pricked by a needle, most commonly an injection.
J'ai ressenti une légère douleur lors de la piqûre d'aiguille.
— This specifically means a sewing needle, distinguishing it from other types of needles.
Elle a besoin d'une aiguille à coudre pour réparer son pantalon.
— These phrases refer to the minute hand and the hour hand of a clock, respectively.
Regarde, l'aiguille des minutes vient d'atteindre le douze.
— This refers to the magnetic needle of a compass that points towards magnetic north.
L'aiguille de la boussole tremble un peu à cause du vent.
— Literally meaning 'to have the needle', this can sometimes figuratively mean to be very thin or sharp, or to have a sharp wit.
Sa remarque avait l'aiguille, elle était très blessante.
— To prick oneself with a needle, a common occurrence when sewing or handling needles.
Fais attention à ne pas te piquer avec cette aiguille !
— To thread a needle, the action of passing the thread through the eye of the needle.
Peux-tu m'aider à enfiler cette aiguille ? Mon eyesight n'est plus ce qu'il était.
— A hollow needle, specifically referring to a hypodermic needle used for injections or fluid withdrawal.
Le médecin a utilisé une aiguille creuse pour prélever du sang.
— Refers to needles used for subcutaneous or intramuscular injections, specifying the depth of injection.
Le patient doit s'administrer lui-même une injection intramusculaire avec cette aiguille.
— A single-use needle, emphasizing hygiene and safety protocols.
Chaque patient reçoit une aiguille à usage unique.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'to have the needle (in the foot)', this idiom means to have a persistent problem, a thorn in one's side, or a constant source of annoyance or discomfort.
Ce conflit familial est comme une aiguille dans son pied, il ne peut pas avancer.
Informal— To be very thin, slender, like a needle. It describes a person's physical build.
Depuis sa maladie, elle est devenue fine comme une aiguille.
Descriptive— To search for something extremely difficult or impossible to find, like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Essayer de retrouver ce document perdu, c'est comme chercher une aiguille dans une botte de foin.
Common Idiom— To have a sharp, cutting, or critical tongue; to speak unkindly or sarcastically.
Elle a une langue d'aiguille, elle ne rate jamais une occasion de critiquer.
Figurative— Literally 'thread and needle', this phrase represents sewing, mending, or domestic tasks related to clothing repair. It can also metaphorically refer to things that go together or are inseparable.
Elle est très douée avec le fil et l'aiguille, elle peut réparer n'importe quoi.
Common Association— To have a hidden talent, a secret weapon, or a special advantage up one's sleeve.
Il a toujours une solution inattendue, il a une aiguille dans sa botte.
Informal/Figurative— Similar to 'needle in a haystack', emphasizing the difficulty of finding something in a vast, undifferentiated mass.
Retrouver ce petit objet perdu sur la plage, c'est une aiguille dans un tas de sable.
Figurative— To do fine, delicate needlework or embroidery.
Elle passe ses après-midis à faire du fil d'aiguille sur des nappes.
Craft-specific— A poetic or figurative way to refer to the passage of time, personified by the clock's hand.
L'aiguille du temps avance inexorablement.
Figurative/Literary— A delicate or intricate matter that requires precision and care, like handling a fine needle.
La négociation était une affaire d'aiguille, il fallait être très prudent.
FigurativeWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a small, sharp 'a-GUI-lle' (like 'a gooey' but sharp!) that you use to inject medicine. The 'GUI' sound can remind you of something gooey, but the 'lle' ending makes it sharp and pointed, like the needle itself.
Visual Association
Picture a tiny, gleaming silver needle. Imagine it piercing a bright red apple (for injections), stitching a piece of vibrant blue fabric (for sewing), or pointing precisely at the number 12 on a grand clock face (for time).
Word Origin
The word 'aiguille' comes from the Latin word 'acūcŭla', which is a diminutive of 'acūus', meaning 'sharp'. This Latin root is related to 'acus', meaning 'needle'. The word has evolved through Old French and Middle French to its current form.
Original meaning: Sharp, pointed object.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > FrenchSummary
L'aiguille is a versatile French noun referring to a slender, sharp, pointed object. Its primary uses are in sewing (a sewing needle), medicine (a hypodermic needle for injections), timekeeping (clock hands), and navigation (a compass needle). Understanding these contexts is key to mastering its usage.
- L'aiguille: a sharp, slender metal tool.
- Used for sewing, injections, clock hands, and compass pointers.
- Feminine noun, crucial in medical and crafting contexts.
- Key word for precision and piercing actions.
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