◙ noun 1. a loop of thread or yarn resulting from a single pass or movement of the needle in sewing, knitting, or crocheting • （缝纫、针织、钩编的）一针，针脚 a loop of thread used to join the edges of a wound or surgical incision • （伤口、外伤切口的）缝合针 »he had to have sixteen stitches to his head. 他不得不在头上缝了16针。 [usu. with modifier] a method of sewing, knitting, or crocheting producing a particular pattern or design • （缝纫、针织、钩编的）缝法，针法，编法 »basic embroidery stitches. 基本的绣花针法。 [in sing., usu. with negative] [informal] the smallest item of clothing • [非正式] （最少的）一件衣服；一块布 »nymphs with come-hither looks and not a stitch on. 长相迷人且一丝不挂的仙女们。 2. a sudden sharp pain in the side of the body, caused by strenuous exercise • （胁部）突然剧痛 »he was panting and had a stitch. 他大口喘着气，胁部突然感到一阵剧痛。 ◙ verb, [with obj.] 1. make, mend, or join (something) with stitches • 缝；缝补；缝合 »stitch a plain seam with right sides together. 用平针把两个正面相对缝合起来。 »they stitched the cut on her face. 他们缝合了她脸上的伤口。 »[as adj.] hand-stitched English dresses. 手工缝制的英国服装。
【IDIOMS】
◘ in stitches 1. [informal] laughing uncontrollably • [非正式] 忍俊不禁 »his unique brand of droll self-mockery had his audiences in stitches. . 他别具一格的滑稽自嘲使得观众忍俊不禁。 ◘ a stitch in time saves nine 1. (proverb)if you sort out a problem immediately it may save a lot of extra work later • [谚] 小洞不补，大洞吃苦
【派生】
♦ stitcher noun ♦ stitchery noun
【语源】
1. Old English stice 'a puncture, stabbing pain', of Germanic origin; related to German Stich 'a sting, prick', also to stick. The sense 'loop' (in sewing etc.) arose in Middle English
【PHR V】
◘ stitch someone up 1. [Brit. informal] manipulate a situation so that someone is placed at a disadvantage or wrongly blamed for something • [英，非正式] 操纵局势使…处于劣势，陷害 »he was stitched up by outsiders and ousted as chairman. 他受到局外人的诬陷而被罢免了主席的职位。 (stitch something up 或 together)[Brit. informal] arrange or secure a deal or agreement to one's advantage • [英，非正式] 达成（有利自己的）交易，缔结（有利自己的）协议 »the company has stitched up major deals all over the world to boost sales. 该公司为了促进销售已经在世界各地缔结了许多对自己有利的重要协议。