stirrer

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *(s)twerH- Proto-Indo-European *(s)twr̥H-yé-ti? Proto-Germanic *sturjaną Proto-West Germanic *sturjan Old English styrian Middle English stiren English stir English -er English stirrer From stir + -er.

1. A device used to stir. (Cardinal types include wood or plastic strips (for beverages) and magnetic objects that react to a spinning magnet nearby (for chemistry beakers).

   “We're out of coffee stirrers again and I'm not using my finger!”

2. A person who stirs something.

   “The stirrers in the chocolate factory often get chocolate all over their uniforms.”

3. A person who spreads rumours or causes agitation.

   “Near-synonyms: (vulgar) shit-stirrer, shit disturber, shitmonger”

   “Why would you say something so hurtful? God, you are such a stirrer!”

4. One who stirs or moves about, as after sleep.

   “I heard some early stirrers in the kitchen at dawn, but I saw no reason to get up yet.”

   “An early stirrer, by the rood!”