snell

[ snel ]

/ snɛl /

noun

a short piece of nylon, gut, or the like, by which a fishhook is attached to a line.

Words nearby snell

sneezeweed, sneezewood, sneezewort, sneffels, snefru, snell, snell's law, snellen chart, snellen test, snellen's test types, sng

Origin of snell

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; origin uncertain

Definition for snell (2 of 3)

snell²

[ snel ]

/ snɛl /

adjective Chiefly Scot.

active; lively: a snell lad.

witty: a snell remark.

severe: snell weather.

Origin of snell

before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Old High German snel (German schnell) quick, Old Norse snjallr excellent

Definition for snell (3 of 3)

Snell

[ snel ]

/ snɛl /

noun

Peter (George),born 1938, New Zealand distance runner.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for snell

That said, my big avoid in Durban is the Sun Coast Casino complex (at the end of Snell Parade).
Gal With a Suitcase|Jolie Hunt|July 10, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Like a flash, Hodge struck out straight from the shoulder, and his fist caught Snell between the eyes.
Frank Merriwell's Chums|Burt L. Standish
In his heart Snell was an arrant coward, and he knew that Hodge was really longing for a challenge.
Frank Merriwell's Chums|Burt L. Standish
"So I brought her straight here," Miss Snell announced, triumphantly.
Different Girls|Various

He did not wish to give Snell time enough to conceal the ring.
Frank Merriwell's Chums|Burt L. Standish
He knew Snell for exactly what the fellow was—a sneaking, revengeful rascal.
Frank Merriwell's Chums|Burt L. Standish

British Dictionary definitions for snell (1 of 2)

snell

/ (snɛl) /

adjective

Scot biting; bitter; sharp

Word Origin for snell

Old English snel quick, active

British Dictionary definitions for snell (2 of 2)

Snell

/ (snɛl) /

noun

Sir Peter (George). born 1938, New Zealand athlete; winner of three Olympic gold medals: for the 800 metres in 1960, and again in 1964, when he also won gold for the 1500 metres

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

Medicine definitions for snell

Snell

[ snĕl ]

George 1903-1996

American geneticist. He shared a 1980 Nobel Prize for discoveries concerning cell structure that enhanced understanding of the immunological system, resulting in higher success rates in organ transplantation.