Wick
Wick turns up in 2 fields: PCBs, farming. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Wick in PCBs
Braided copper desoldering ribbon that soaks up molten solder, and the verb for using it.
Wick, or solder wick, is fine copper braid impregnated with flux. Pressed onto a joint under a hot iron, it draws molten solder up into the braid by capillary action, clearing bridges, removing excess solder and flattening pads before a new part goes on. Each pass needs fresh braid, because a saturated section stops working, and too much pressure or heat lifts pads.
"Wick the bridge on pins 12 and 13, then add a touch of flux and reflow both joints."
Wick in farming
The vital lower section of a plant stem situated just above the root system.
This regional term refers to the fleshy crown or basal stem area where a plant transitions into its root mass. It is the active growing center for many perennial crops and grasses, holding the dormant buds needed for regeneration after cutting or grazing. Protecting this zone from deep frost or aggressive tillage ensures the plant survives the winter to sprout again.
"Make sure you set the mower deck high enough so we don't scalp the wick on that new pasture grass."