eke /i: k; ik/ vt [VP15B] eke sth out, make (small supplies of sth) enough for one's needs by adding sth; make (a living) by doing this: 補(bǔ)足; 力求維持 (生活)： eke out one's coal by saving the cinders for further use; 留著煤渣再用，以彌補(bǔ)煤的不足; eke out one's livelihood. 力謀生計(jì)。