assiette

noun

as·​si·​ette

"

plural -s

1

a

: plate sense 3c

b

: hors d'oeuvres or cold cuts served on one plate

2

: a mixture of bole, bloodstone, and galena used as a gilding surface (as by bookbinders)

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, seating of guests at table, course (of a meal), from Old French, assessment (of a tax), from (assumed) Vulgar Latin assedita action of seating or placing, from feminine of asseditus, past participle of assedēre to seat, place

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!