pit
1[ pit ]
/ pɪt /
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noun
verb (used with object), pit·ted, pit·ting.
verb (used without object), pit·ted, pit·ting.
to become marked with pits or depressions.
(of body tissue) to retain temporarily a mark of pressure, as by a finger, instrument, etc.
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Origin of pit
1before 900; (noun) Middle English; Old English pytt<Latin puteus well, pit, shaft; (v.) derivative of the noun
Words nearby pit
piston pin, piston ring, piston rod, piston slap, pistou, pit, pita, pit against, pitahaya, Pitaka, pitanga
Definition for pit (2 of 2)
pit2
[ pit ]
/ pɪt /
noun
the stone of a fruit, as of a cherry, peach, or plum.
verb (used with object), pit·ted, pit·ting.
to remove the pit from (a fruit or fruits): to pit cherries for a pie.
Origin of pit
21835–45, Americanism;<Dutch: kernel; cognate with pith
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for pit (1 of 3)
pit1
/ (pɪt) /
noun
verb pits, pitting or pitted
See also pits
Word Origin for pit
Old English pytt, from Latin puteus; compare Old French pet, Old High German pfuzzi
British Dictionary definitions for pit (2 of 3)
pit2
/ (pɪt) mainly US and Canadian /
noun
the stone of a cherry, plum, etc
verb pits, pitting or pitted
(tr) to extract the stone from (a fruit)
Word Origin for pit
C19: from Dutch: kernel; compare pith
British Dictionary definitions for pit (3 of 3)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for pit
pit
[ pĭt ]
n.
A natural hollow or depression in the body or an organ.
A pockmark.
A sharp-pointed depression in the enamel surface of a tooth, caused by faulty or incomplete calcification or formed by the confluent point of two or more lobes of enamel.
v.
To mark with cavities, depressions, or scars.
To retain an impression after being indented. Used of the skin.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for pit
pit
[ pĭt ]
The hard, inner layer (the endocarp) of certain drupes that are valued for their flesh, such as peaches, cherries, or olives. Not in scientific use.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Idioms and Phrases with pit
pit
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.