Main Entry: ¹whet

Pronunciation: \ˈhwet, ˈwet\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): whet·ted; whet·ting

Etymology: Middle English whetten, from Old English hwettan; akin to Old High German wezzen to whet, waz sharp

Date: before 12th century

1 : to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (as a stone) <whet a knife>
2 : to make keen or more acute : excite, stimulate <whet the appetite> <whetted her curiosity>

— whet·ter noun