morsel means A small fragment or share of something, commonly applied to food. It carries an Arena rating of 1643, earned across 3 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, morsel ranks #2,319 of 14,444 for Most Exacting Words, #2,357 of 14,297 for Best Fossil-Poetry Words, #2,374 of 14,451 for Most Whimsical Words, #2,382 of 14,414 for Most Elegant Words.
morsel is pronounced /ˈmɔːsəl/.
Why “morsel” is a great word
A small piece or amount of something, especially food. From Middle English *morsel*, from Old French *morsel*, diminutive of *mors* ("a bite"), from Latin *morsum* ("a bit, something bitten off"), neuter of *morsus*, past participle of *mordēre* ("to bite"). Unlike "crumb" (which suggests a dry, accidental fragment) or "portion" (which implies a measured, possibly generous serving), *morsel* carries the intimacy of deliberate selection—a single, perfect bite. It is the last oyster on the half-shell gleaming with brine; the cube of dark chocolate snapped from the bar at midnight; the tender fragment of meat coaxed from the bone with teeth and patience. The word preserves the ancient transaction between mouth and world: something small enough to be seized, yet complete enough to satisfy.
Etymology
From Middle English morsel, from Old French morsel, from Medieval Latin morsellum (“a bit, a little piece”), diminutive of Latin morsum (“a bit”), neuter of morsus, perfect passive participle of mordeo (“to bite”). Compare French morceau, whence the English doublet morceau.
noun
- A small fragment or share of something, commonly applied to food.e.g.“By sticking out his tongue and curling it sideways to explore the hairy jungle around his mouth, he was always able to find a tasty morsel here and there to nibble on.”
- A mouthful of food.
- A very small amount.e.g.“Didn't even a morsel of decency remain in his brother?”
verb
- To divide into small pieces.
- To feed with small pieces of food.
Words closest in meaning
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