morsel
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Middle English morsel, from Old French morsel, from Medieval Latin morsellum (“a bit, a little piece”), diminutive. of Latin morsum (“a bit”), neuter of morsus, past participle of mordere (“to bite”). Compare French morceau.
Pronunciation [edit]
Noun [edit]
morsel (plural morsels)
- A small fragment or share of something, commonly applied to food.
- A very small amount.
- 2008, Pamela Griffin, New York Brides, Barbour Publishing Inc. (2008), ISBN 9781597899840, page 70:
- Didn't even a morsel of decency remain in his brother?
- 2008, Pamela Griffin, New York Brides, Barbour Publishing Inc. (2008), ISBN 9781597899840, page 70:
Synonyms [edit]
- See also Wikisaurus:modicum.
Derived terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
small fragment
External links [edit]
- morsel in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- morsel in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
Anagrams [edit]
Old French [edit]
Alternative forms [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Medieval Latin morsellum (“a bit, a little piece”), diminutive of Latin morsum (“a bit”), neuter of morsus, past participle of mordeō, mordēre (“bite, nibble, gnaw”), from Proto-Indo-European *merə- (“to rub, wipe; to pack, rob”).
Pronunciation [edit]
- IPA: /mɔr.sɛl/
Noun [edit]
morsel m (oblique plural morseaus, nominative singular morseaus, nominative plural morsel)
Descendants [edit]
Categories:
- English terms derived from Middle English
- English terms derived from Old French
- English terms derived from Medieval Latin
- English terms derived from Latin
- English nouns
- Old French terms derived from Medieval Latin
- Old French terms derived from Latin
- Old French terms derived from Proto-Indo-European
- Old French nouns
- Old French masculine nouns
