pickle: Meaning and Definition of

pick•le

1. a cucumber that has been preserved in brine, vinegar, or the like.
2. Often,any other vegetable, as cauliflower, celery, etc., preserved in vinegar and eaten as a relish.
3. something preserved in a brine or marinade.
4. a liquid usually prepared with salt or vinegar for preserving or flavoring fish, meat, vegetables, etc.; brine or marinade.
5. an acid or other chemical solution in which metal objects are dipped to remove oxide scale or other adhering substances.
6. a troublesome or awkward situation; predicament: I was in a pickle after the check bounced.
7. a sour, disagreeable person.

1. to preserve or steep in brine or other liquid.
2. to treat with a chemical solution, as for the purpose of cleaning.
3. to give a pale, streaked finish to (wood) by applying and partly removing paint or by bleaching, as to give an appearance of age.
4. to store; prepare for long-range storage: Let's pickle these old cars for a few years.

pick•le

1. a single grain or kernel, as of barley or corn.
2. a small amount; a little.