dice
UK: daɪs | US: daɪs
n. 1. Small cubes marked with spots (1–6), used in games of chance.
n. 2. (Plural of die) Multiple such cubes.
vt. To cut food into small cubes.
dice = die<singular form of "dice"> + (e)s<plural suffix>
- die (singular of "dice"): From Old French de (plural dez), from Latin datum ("something given or played," from dare "to give"). The shift from "given" to "gaming piece" reflects dice's role in fate-deciding games.
- (e)s: A common English plural suffix, added to "die" to form "dice."
Etymology Origin:
"Dice" originated as the plural of "die," tracing back to Latin datum ("given"), reflecting the idea of chance or fate being "given" by the roll. Over time, "dice" became the standard term for both singular and plural in casual usage, while "die" persists formally. The verb "to dice" (cut into cubes) metaphorically mimics the shape of gaming dice.
She rolled the dice and landed a double six.
The recipe requires you to dice the onions finely.
Gambling with loaded dice is illegal.
He tossed the dice onto the board with a confident flick.
The chef demonstrated how to dice tomatoes evenly.