Pinches

Pinches refers to several related uses of the word pinching. A pinch is normally a small grasp formed by squeezing something between the thumb and a finger, and the verb pinch means to squeeze or to grip tightly, often producing a brief sensation of pain. The term can also describe a small amount of a substance, or a moment of squeezing or stealing in informal speech. The plural pinches can refer to multiple such instances or uses.

In cooking, a pinch denotes a small, imprecise amount of an ingredient, such as salt or spices. There is no exact measure, but a common approximation is about 1/16 to 1/8 teaspoon. A dash or a smidgen is used for slightly larger or smaller quantities, respectively. The notion of a pinch helps cooks adjust seasoning quickly without precise measuring.

In horticulture and gardening, pinching is a deliberate pruning technique. Growers remove the tip of a young shoot to encourage lateral growth and a bushier, more compact plant. Pinching is typically performed when new growth is tender, with timing varying by species and growth habit. Repeated pinching can influence flowering, branching patterns, and overall plant vigor.

In biology and medicine, pinching can describe the sensation produced by pressure on the skin. A pinched nerve refers to nerve compression that causes pain, numbness, or weakness along the affected pathway. The phrase in a pinch is a common idiom meaning in a difficult or urgent situation, rather than a physical action.

See also pinch-off and pinching for related terms.