mite

¹

[ mahyt ]

noun

1. any of numerous small to microscopic arachnids of the subclass Acari, including species that are parasitic on animals and plants or that feed on decaying matter and stored foods.

mite

²

[ mahyt ]

noun

1. a contribution that is small but is all that a person can afford.
2. a very small sum of money.
3. a coin of very small value.
4. a very small object.
5. a very small creature.

adverb

1. to a small extent; somewhat (often preceded by a ):

   a mite selfish.

mite

¹

/ maɪt /

noun

1. a very small particle, creature, or object
2. a very small contribution or sum of money See also widow's mite
3. a former Flemish coin of small value
4. a mite informal.
   somewhat

   he's a mite foolish

mite

²

/ maɪt /

noun

1. any of numerous small free-living or parasitic arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari ) that can occur in terrestrial or aquatic habitats See also gall mite harvest mite itch mite spider mite Compare tick 2 acaroid

mite

/ mīt /

1. Any of various very small arachnids of the subclass Acari that often live as parasites on other animals or plants. Like ticks and unlike spiders, mites have no division between the cephalothorax and abdomen.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mite¹

before 1000; Middle English myte, Old English mīte; cognate with Middle Dutch mīte, Old High German miza midge

Origin of mite²

1300–50; Middle English myte < Middle Dutch mīte small copper coin; ultimately identical with mite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of mite¹

C14: from Middle Low German, Middle Dutch mīte; compare mite ¹

Origin of mite²

Old English mīte; compare Old High German mīza gnat, Dutch mijt

Example Sentences

How eagerly she looks forward to pay day, for that little mite means so much at home.

From The Daily Beast

Not the greatest tragedy in the world, perhaps, but a mite sad.

From The Daily Beast

OPEC meets in Vienna on Friday, a meeting that will, according to the Wall Street Journal, be a mite testy.

From The Daily Beast

Predicting Palestinian genocide of Jews under a one-state solution is a mite farfetched, I would submit.

From The Daily Beast

This made him look a mite desperate and distinctly unpresidential.

From The Daily Beast

One would not have wanted her white neck a mite less full or her beautiful arms more slender.

From Project Gutenberg

To think,” said the younger Englishwoman to her sister, “of this wee mite travelling about in an open motor!

From Project Gutenberg

Them's ther very words I heered him say, 'n' I wuzn't ennythin' but a mite, but I didn't furgit it.

From Project Gutenberg

The itch-mite (Acarus scabiei) and the louse (Pediculus capitis, corporis, vel pubis) are the more common members of the group.

From Project Gutenberg

I own a mite of land along the railroad, Johnnie, but you buy all the rest from the falls to the station.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bug
• insect