nit
|nit|
/nɪt/
very small thing / tiny egg; trivial detail
Etymology
'nit' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hnitu' or 'nitte', meaning 'louse egg'.
'nit' changed from the Old English word 'hnitu/ nitte' into Middle English forms such as 'nit(e)' and eventually became the modern English word 'nit'.
Initially, it meant 'louse egg' in a literal, biological sense; over time it also developed a figurative meaning of 'a very small or trivial thing' and then the sense 'a petty fault' used in phrases like 'nit-picking'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a louse egg; the small, sticky egg laid by a louse, often found on hair.
There is a nit on the child's hair near the scalp.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a trivial or petty detail; a minor fault or objection (often used in plural: 'nits').
Don't worry about such a nit when the main idea is clear.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/19 17:36