scant
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1scant
adjective \ˈskant\Definition of SCANT
1
2
a : barely or scarcely sufficient; especially : not quite coming up to a stated measure <a scant teaspoon> b : lacking in amplitude or quantity <scant growth>
3
: having a small or insufficient supply <he's fat, and scant of breath — Shakespeare>
— scant·ly adverb
— scant·ness noun
See Examples of SCANT
- Food was in scant supply.
- She paid scant attention to the facts.
- Police found scant evidence of fraud.
Origin of SCANT
Middle English, from Old Norse skamt, neuter of skammr short
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to SCANT
2scant
adverb3scant
transitive verbDefinition of SCANT
1
: to provide an incomplete supply of
2
: to make small, narrow, or meager
3
: to give scant attention to : slight
4
: to provide with a meager or inadequate portion or supply : stint
Examples of SCANT
- <don't scant the peanut butter on those sandwiches!>
First Known Use of SCANT
circa 1580
Related to SCANT
- Synonyms
- nurse, spare, skimp (on), stint (on)
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All Words Near: scant
Previous Word in the Dictionary: scansorial barbet
All Words Near: scant
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