noun a small puncture made by a pin or similar pointed object
A pinprick is often used in medical settings to test sensory function by pricking the skin with a pin to assess nerve response.
In dermatology, a pinprick test may be used to test for allergies or sensitivities to certain substances by pricking the skin with a small amount of the suspected allergen.
In neurology, a pinprick test can be used to assess for abnormalities in sensory perception or nerve function.
In acupuncture, a pinprick is used to insert needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing.
The writer used the word 'pinprick' to describe the protagonist's sudden realization as a small but sharp sensation, adding depth to the emotional impact of the scene.
In psychology, 'pinprick' may be used metaphorically to describe a moment of clarity or insight that feels sharp and sudden, like a pinprick on the skin.