long tail

noun

1. commerce the segment of a market representing the large number of products that sell in small quantities, considered by some to be of greater financial value than the few products that sell in very large quantities

Word History and Origins

Origin of long tail¹

C21: from the appearance of typical sales patterns on a graph

Example Sentences

Does OWS stand any chance to be looked on favorably in the long tail of history?

From The Daily Beast

The hairy animal, with the long tail, came straight for the bush behind which Squinty was hiding, and crawled through.

From Project Gutenberg

He preceded it by some yards, riding Djerid, who whisked his long tail till it whistled in the dust of the dirty pavement.

From Project Gutenberg

Ordered that no long tail wigs, large sleeves or ruffles be worn by any member at the club.

From Project Gutenberg

This animal, which is originally a native of Spain, has acquired a long tail in Tartary, and a thick bushy coat in Syria.

From Project Gutenberg

She is betrayed in the usual manner, and finds, when too late, that she is embracing a hairy incubus which has a long tail.

From Project Gutenberg