Making quick, sharp movements with the beak or a pointed object, often repeatedly.
From Middle English 'pecken,' likely from Old English or Germanic roots. The word is onomatopoetic, mimicking the sound and motion of a bird's beak striking something. It expanded metaphorically to describe any quick striking motion.
Woodpeckers peck up to 20 times per second—faster than a machine gun! They have special skulls with shock-absorbing tissue that prevents concussions. Scientists studying woodpecker brains are designing better helmets and studying how to prevent traumatic brain injuries.
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