Quiddity

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Derived terms

English

Etymology

Mediaeval Latin quidditas, from Latin quid ‘what’.

Pronunciation

IPA: /'kwɪdɪti/

Noun

Singular quiddity

Plural quiddities

1. the essence or inherent nature of a person or thing

   • 1962: My vision reeked with truth. It had the tone, / The quiddity and quaintness of its own / Reality. — Vladimir Nabokov, Pale Fire

2. a trifle; a nicety or quibble

Derived terms

• quidditative