mite

¹ American  

[mahyt] / maɪt /

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.

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mite ² American  

[mahyt] / maɪt /

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.

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adverb

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

   a mite selfish.

mite ¹ British  

/ 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

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mite ² British  

/ 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. informal somewhat

   he's a mite foolish

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mite Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

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

Explanation

Mite is one of many words for a very small amount, like a bit and a jot. A mite is teeny-weeny and itty-bitty. It's not much at all. Put away your ruler, because you can't measure a mite any more than you can measure a smidge, a tad, a speck, a tough, or a pinch — all English words for a tiny amount. Such words are useful when making polite requests. If someone's just barely blocking your car, you might ask them to move theirs just a mite. If you say you'll be back in just a mite, you won't keep the person waiting long.

Example Sentences

"You know, I can sample for a mite count, but I can't sample for mitochondrial DNA," Funkhouser said.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

Instead, the goal is to identify the specific traits that allow these bees to keep mite levels lower and explore how those traits could support breeding efforts or reduce reliance on chemicals.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

Ricardo Bassini-Silva, a researcher and curator of the laboratory's Acarological Collection, quickly recognized that the bead-like structures were actually mite larvae.

From Science Daily • Jan. 28, 2026

Thousands of people with a severe dust mite allergy could benefit from a "life changing" new daily treatment.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2025

In fact, Gassendi points out, when the microscope was invented both the pores in the skin and the legs of the mite became visible, thus confirming the validity of earlier arguments to prove their existence.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• particle
• speck