What is a tick called in English? - briefly
In English the parasitic arachnid is referred to as a “tick.” The word also denotes a brief unit of time in computing and scheduling contexts.
What is a tick called in English? - in detail
In English the word tick refers to two distinct concepts.
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As a punctuation mark, it denotes a small, usually V‑shaped symbol used to indicate correctness, approval, or completion. The standard term is check mark (American English) or tick (British English). Both refer to the same graphic, but spelling and regional preference differ. The symbol appears in forms, lists, and examinations to signal that an item has been verified.
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As a biological noun, it identifies a small arachnid of the order Ixodida that feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The term tick applies universally; no alternative English word is commonly used for the organism itself. In scientific contexts the species name follows the generic term, for example Ixodes scapularis (the black‑legged tick).
Key distinctions and related terminology:
- Check mark – preferred in U.S. publications, especially in manuals and software interfaces.
- Tick – predominant in U.K. style guides, government forms, and educational materials.
- Mark – generic term for any sign indicating status; not specific to the V‑shape.
- Box – sometimes used to describe the empty square that receives a tick or check.
- Verification symbol – formal description in technical documentation.
Pronunciation varies slightly: the punctuation term is pronounced /tɪk/, while the arachnid shares the same phonetics, leading to identical spoken forms.
Typical usage examples:
- “Please place a check mark beside each completed task.”
- “The survey required a tick in the appropriate column.”
- “Doctors test for tick‑borne diseases after a bite.”
Both meanings coexist without ambiguity because context clarifies whether the reference is to a graphic indicator or the parasitic creature.