English Explanatory Dictionary

prestidigitation

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A performance of or skill in performing magic or conjuring tricks with the hands.
  2. A show of skill or deceitful cleverness.

Pronunciation

/ˌpɹɛstɪˌdɪd͡ʒɪˈteɪʃən/ /ˌpɹɛstəˌdɪd͡ʒɪˈteɪʃən/ en-us-prestidigitation.ogg

Word forms

prestidigitation prestidigitations

Etymology

From French prestidigitation, from French preste (“nimble, quick”) + Latin digitus (“finger”) + French -ation (process suffix). The word has a different origin from prestige, even though this in the past has meant “delusion, illusion, trick”.

Synonyms

conjuration conjuring dweomercraft hocus-pocus illusionism jugglery legerdemain magic prestidigitation prestigiation sleight of hand deception deceit dupery fiddle fetch list mislead Punic faith rinky-dink ruse subterfuge swack trickery

Related words

prestidigitator
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