Meaning & Definition of word "Nit"
to
Nit
/nɪt/
noun:
- 1. A nit is an egg or young form of a louse or other parasitic insect.
- Example: The school nurse inspected the children's hair for nits and lice.
- 2. A small or insignificant detail; a trivial matter.
- Example: Don't worry about the nits in the report; we can focus on the main points instead.
Etymology
Old English 'hnitu', related to German 'niete' referring to a louse.
Common Phrases and Expressions
nitpicking:
To look for small or unimportant errors or faults.
to pick nits:
To find trivial faults in something.
Related Words
lice:
Parasitic insects that infest the hair and skin of humans.
nits:
Plural of nit, meaning multiple eggs of lice.
parasite:
An organism that lives in or on another organism and benefits at the host's expense.
Slang Meanings of nit
Meaning: Nitwit - a foolish or stupid person.
Example Sentence: Don't be a nitwit, just follow the instructions.
Meaning: Nitpicking - excessively concerned with trivial details.
Example Sentence: Stop nitpicking and just approve the proposal.