quiddity
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quid·di·ty

noun \ˈkwi-də-tē\
plural quid·di·ties

Definition of QUIDDITY

1
: whatever makes something the type that it is : essence
2
a : a trifling point : quibble
b : crotchet, eccentricity

Examples of QUIDDITY

  1. <for all of her quiddities, she is a very wise and generous lady>
  2. <Rembrandt's genius was his unparalleled ability to render a person's quiddity in a single portrait.>

Origin of QUIDDITY

Middle English quidite, from Medieval Latin quidditat-, quidditas essence, from Latin quid what, neuter of quis who — more at who
First Known Use: 14th century

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