nit
Pronunciation
/ˈnɪt/
/nˈɪt/

Definition & Meaning of "nit"in English

Nit
01

an insignificant, stupid, or annoying person

nit definition and meaning
Informal
Offensive

What is the origin of the term "nit" and how is it used?

"Nit" originally referred to the egg of a louse and has been used in English since at least the 15th century. It later developed a figurative meaning for a person seen as insignificant, stupid, or annoying, drawing on the idea of something tiny and parasitic. It is used in informal speech to dismiss or belittle someone, often casually rather than aggressively. The term is mildly derogatory and usually low-level in insult.

Examples
The nit kept asking the same question even after it was answered.
02

the egg of a louse or other parasitic insect that lives on someone's hair or piece of clothing

Examples
The school nurse carefully checked each student 's hair for nits during the health inspection.
03

a unit of measurement for luminance, equivalent to one candela per square meter, measured perpendicularly to the direction of the light

Examples
The new smartphone boasts a screen brightness of 1000 nits, making it easy to view even in direct sunlight.
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