Lick

Lick is a verb with several senses connected to the action of the tongue. It most commonly means to pass the tongue over a surface to taste, moisten, or clean it, as when licking ice cream or licking a stamp. It can also mean to lap up liquids or to remove something by licking. In informal use, to be “licked” can mean to be defeated or overwhelmed in a contest. The phrase "to lick something into shape" means to bring it into proper form through effort.

As a noun, lick can denote a small amount or touch, as in a “lick of paint.” In music, a lick is a short, distinctive melodic phrase or improvised flourish performed by a musician, especially on guitar or wind instruments; players may improvise or "play a lick" during a solo.

Lick is also a surname. The most notable bearer is James Lick (1796–1876), whose philanthropy funded the Lick Observatory. The Lick Observatory is on Mount Hamilton in California and is operated by the University of California. It houses several telescopes, including the historical 36-inch refractor and the Shane 120-inch reflecting telescope, and serves as a site for astronomical research and public outreach.