English Lexicon

Jacks

/dʒæks/
nounCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A game played with small, typically six-pointed metal objects and a ball, where players bounce the ball and pick up the jacks.

    "The children played jacks on the sidewalk, laughing as they tried to pick up the jacks before the ball bounced back."
  2. 2

    A device used for lifting heavy objects, typically a mechanical device that uses a screw or hydraulic mechanism.

    "He used a car jack to lift the vehicle so he could change the tire."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'jacks' originates from the Middle English word 'jacke', which referred to a small man or a device. It evolved in the 16th century to denote various small objects or devices, including the game pieces used in children's games.

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