skunk works

skunk work

S s

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [skuhngk wurk]
- /skʌŋk wɜrk/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [skuhngk wurk]
- /skʌŋk wɜrk/

Definitions of skunk works words

noun skunk works (usually lowercase). Also, skunk works, skunkworks [skuhngk-wurks] /ˈskʌŋkˌwɜrks/ (Show IPA). Slang. an often secret experimental laboratory or facility for producing innovative products, as in the computer or aerospace field. 1
noun skunk works a group of engineers, scientists, etc. engaged in research and development, usually secretly or in isolation 0
noun skunk works the division within a company or the facilities of such a group 0

See all 3 definitions of skunk works

Information block about the term

Origin of skunk works

First appearance:

before 1943

One of the 7% newest English words

1943for def 1, 1965-70 for def 2; after Big Barnsmell's Skonk Works, where the illicit liquor Kickapoo Joy Juice was made, in Al Capp's comic strip Li'l Abner

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Skunk works

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Skunk works

skunk works popularity

This term is known only to a narrow circle of people with rare knowledge. Only 5% of English native speakers know the meaning of this word.

According to our data most of word are more popular. This word is almost not used. It has a much more popular synonym.

skunk works usage trend in Literature

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