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brittle

10 ENTRIES FOUND:

1brit·tle

adj \ˈbri-təl\
brit·tler\ˈbrit-lər, ˈbri-təl-ər\brit·tlest\-ləst, -təl-əst\

Definition of BRITTLE

1
a : easily broken, cracked, or snapped <brittle clay> <brittle glass> b : easily disrupted, overthrown, or damaged : frail <a brittle friendship>
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
brit·tle·ly \ˈbri-təl-(l)ē\ adverb
brit·tle·ness \ˈbri-təl-nəs\ noun

Examples of BRITTLE

  1. <a brittle cracker that turned into crumbs in my pocket>
  2. <a brittle apology that was anything but heartfelt>

Origin of BRITTLE

Middle English britil; akin to Old English brēotan to break, Old Norse brjōta
First Known Use: 14th century

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