Definition of quick

< Quichua

quick-and-dirty >

quick    (kwk) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
quick·er, quick·est

1. Moving or functioning rapidly and energetically; speedy.
2. Learning, thinking, or understanding with speed and dexterity; bright: a quick mind.
3. 1. Perceiving or responding with speed and sensitivity; keen.
   2. Reacting immediately and sharply: a quick temper.
4. 1. Occurring, achieved, or acquired in a relatively brief period of time: a quick rise through the ranks; a quick profit.
   2. Done or occurring immediately: a quick inspection. See Synonyms at fast¹.
5. Tending to react hastily: quick to find fault.
6. Archaic
   1. Alive.
   2. Pregnant.

NOUN:

1. Sensitive or raw exposed flesh, as under the fingernails.
2. The most personal and sensitive aspect of the emotions.
3. The living: the quick and the dead.
4. The vital core; the essence: got to the quick of the matter.

ADVERB:
quicker, quickest

Quickly; promptly.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, alive, lively, quick, from Old English cwicu, alive; see g^wei- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
quickly(Adverb), quickness(Noun)
Usage Note:
In speech quick is commonly used as an adverb in phrases such as Come quick. In formal writing, however, quickly is required.