ache

Ache, n.

Etymology: [OE. ache, AS. æce, ece, fr. acan to ache. See Ache, v. i.]

Continued pain, as distinguished from sudden twinges, or spasmodic pain. "Such an ache in my bones." Shak.

Note: Often used in composition, as, a headache, an earache, a toothache.

2 other Webster entries under this spelling

Ach, Ache, n.

A name given to several species of plants; as, smallage, wild celery, parsley. [Obs.] Holland.

Ache, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ached; p. pr. & vb. n. Aching.]

To suffer pain; to have, or be in, pain, or in continued pain; to be distressed. "My old bones ache." Shak. The sins that in your conscience ache. Keble.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for ache; he lists it under pain.

Where he writes about it:

Ache is lingering pain, more or less severe; pang, a pain short, sharp, intense, and perhaps repeated. — from pain

Synonyms

pain agony anguish distress pang paroxysm suffering throe torment torture twinge woe

Antonyms

comfort delight ease enjoyment peace rapture relief solace

etymology Webster’s online