brittle
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈbɹɪtl̩/
- Audio (US)help, file
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- Rhymes: -ɪtəl
[edit] Adjective
brittle (comparative brittler or more brittle, superlative brittlest or most brittle)
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Positive |
Comparative |
Superlative |
- Inflexible, may break or snap easily under stress or pressure.
- Cast iron is much more brittle than forged iron.
- A diamond is hard but brittle.
- (archaeology) Said of rocks and minerals with a conchoidal fracture; capable of being knapped or flaked.
- Not physically tough or tenacious; apt to break or crumble when bending.
- Shortbread is my favorite cold pastry, yet being so brittle it crumbles easily, and a lot goes to waste.
- Emotionally fragile, easily offended.
- What a brittle personality! A little misunderstanding and he's an emotional wreck.
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
Inflexible, able to break or snap easily under stress or pressure; not tough or tenacious; weak.
Emotionally fragile, easily offended.
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
brittle (countable and uncountable; plural brittles)
- A confection of caramelized sugar and nuts; brickle.
- As a child my favorite candy was peanut brittle.
[edit] Translations
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- brittle in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913