noun the action of moving the tongue across a surface, typically to taste or consume something
adjective used to describe something that involves licking
Licking can refer to the action of using one's tongue to taste food or clean utensils.
Licking objects or fingers is a common behavior in infants and young children as they explore the world through their senses.
Excessive licking of wounds or body parts can be a sign of certain medical conditions or behavioral issues in humans and animals.
In the context of animal behavior, licking is a common form of grooming or showing affection among certain species.
In a sexual context, licking may refer to a form of intimate physical contact or stimulation.
In the ice cream industry, 'licking' is often used to describe the action of consuming ice cream directly from a cone or spoon.
In a metaphorical sense, a writer may use 'licking' to describe the act of quickly reading or skimming through a piece of text.
A psychologist may use 'licking' to refer to a behavior or action related to oral fixation or sensory seeking in certain psychological disorders.
In the culinary field, 'licking' may refer to the act of quickly tasting a dish to check for seasoning or flavor.
A veterinarian may use 'licking' to describe a behavior exhibited by animals, such as excessive grooming or licking due to stress or anxiety.
In music, 'licking' is a term used to describe short musical phrases or patterns that are often repeated in a song or performance.
Athletes may use 'licking' to refer to the act of quickly moving their tongue over their lips to moisten them before a competition.
In the fashion industry, 'licking' may refer to the act of quickly flipping through fabric samples or swatches to make a selection for a design.
A teacher may use 'licking' to describe the act of quickly reviewing or skimming through a lesson or material before presenting it to students.
Scientists may use 'licking' in a technical sense to describe a process of testing or analyzing samples with a chemical solution.
In legal contexts, 'licking' may be used metaphorically to describe a quick review or examination of legal documents or evidence.