quiddity

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The essence or inherent nature of a person or thing.
  2. A trifle; a nicety or quibble.
  3. An eccentricity; an odd feature.

Pronunciation

/ˈkwɪdɪti/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-quiddity.wav

Word forms

quiddity quiddities

Etymology

From Middle English quidite, from Old French quidité, and its source, Late Latin quidditas, from Latin quid (“what”) + -itas (“-ness”).

Related words

in .

Derived words

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