(climatology) Large-scale components of the Earth climate system that may pass a tipping point.

present participle of re-tip

present participle of tip out

plural of Q-tip

Alternative form of Q-tip

(idiomatic) A small indication of a larger possibility; the first part encountered of a problem that is much bigger than it seems.

Trademark for a cotton swab consisting of short, thin, flexible plastic rods with a swab of cotton wool (UK)/cotton (US) at each end; they are typically used for cleaning the ears and other hard-to-reach places.

(idiomatic, transitive) To alert or inform someone, especially confidentially. / (basketball) To put the ball in play by throwing it up between two opponents. / (of a sports match) To begin.

(idiomatic) An obvious clue or indication. / (idiomatic) A report of suspicious behaviour, especially to an authority.

(baseball) a foul ball which glances off the bat and continues back with only a moderate change in direction