English Explanatory Dictionary

kryptonite

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The one weakness of something or someone that is otherwise invulnerable.
  2. Crack cocaine.
verb
  1. To expose to, or attack with, kryptonite.
  2. To destroy, wreck, or ruin; to affect adversely, as Superman is affected by kryptonite.

Pronunciation

/ˈkɹɪptənaɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-kryptonite.wav

Word forms

kryptonite kryptonites kryptoniting kryptonited

Etymology

From a fictional radioactive element, kryptonite, that has a detrimental effect on the otherwise invulnerable character Superman. Apparently formed as krypton (“a chemical element, Kr”) + -ite.

Synonyms

Achilles heel weakness chink in the armor glass jaw kryptonite soft spot soft underbelly vulnerability weak spot
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