Main Entry:

tal·ent

Pronunciation:

\ˈta-lənt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English talente, from Latin talenta, plural of talentum unit of weight or money, from Greek talanton pan of a scale, weight; akin to Greek tlēnai to bear; in senses 2–5, from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30 — more at tolerate

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: any of several ancient units of weight b: a unit of value equal to the value of a talent of gold or silver2archaic : a characteristic feature, aptitude, or disposition of a person or animal3: the natural endowments of a person4 a: a special often athletic, creative, or artistic aptitude b: general intelligence or mental power : ability5: a person of talent or a group of persons of talent in a field or activity

synonyms see gift

— tal·ent·ed \-lən-təd\ adjective

— tal·ent·less \-lənt-ləs\ adjective