Main Entry: ¹brit·tle

Pronunciation: \ˈbri-t^əl\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): brit·tler \ˈbrit-lər, ˈbri-t^əl-ər\; brit·tlest \-ləst, -t^əl-əst\

Etymology: Middle English britil; akin to Old English brēotan to break, Old Norse brjōta

Date: 14th century

1 a : easily broken, cracked, or snapped <brittle clay> <brittle glass> b : easily disrupted, overthrown, or damaged : frail <a brittle friendship>
2 a : perishable, mortal b : transitory, evanescent
3 : easily hurt or offended : sensitive <a brittle personality>
4 : sharp <the brittle staccato of snare drums>
5 : lacking warmth, depth, or generosity of spirit : cold <a brittle selfish person>
6 : affected with or being a form of type 1 diabetes characterized by large and unpredictable fluctuations in blood glucose level

synonyms see fragile

— brit·tle·ly \ˈbri-t^əl-(l)ē\ adverb

— brit·tle·ness \ˈbri-t^əl-nəs\ noun