Definition

A piece of wood or material added to extend the length of something else.

Example

The carpenter used an eking to make the table longer.

Conversation

I found this old piece of wood in the garage, and I think it could be useful.

What do you plan to do with it?

I might use it as a eking to extend one of my shelves.

That sounds like a great idea! It could really add some extra space.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Eking → The word 'eking' comes from the Old English 'ic' (meaning I) and 'cyning' (meaning king). It originally referred to the act of making a small amount of something last longer or to make ends meet, as if one were trying to live like a king on limited resources.

Memory Tip

Think of someone trying to stretch their resources to live like a 'king' ('cyning') even when they have little — that's why 'eking' means to make something last.

Visually Confused Words