picayune
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1pic·a·yune

noun \ˌpi-kē-ˈyün\

Definition of PICAYUNE

1
a : a Spanish half real piece formerly current in the South
b : half dime
2
: something trivial

Examples of PICAYUNE

  1. <our lives don't amount to a picayune in the great scheme of things>

Origin of PICAYUNE

Occitan picaioun, a small coin, from picaio money, from pica to jingle, of imitative origin
First Known Use: 1804

2picayune

adjective

Definition of PICAYUNE

: of little value : paltry; also : petty, small-minded
pic·a·yun·ish \-ˈyü-nish\ adjective

Examples of PICAYUNE

  1. They argued over the most picayune details.
  2. <the picayune ponderings of a commentator who steadfastly believes other cultures are inferior to our own>

First Known Use of PICAYUNE

1836

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