morsel
UK: ˈmɔːs(ə)l | US: ˈmɔːrs(ə)l
n. a small piece or amount of food; a fragment or portion of something.
morsel = mors<bite> + el<diminutive suffix>
- mors (from Latin morsus, meaning "bite")
- el (a diminutive suffix in Old French, indicating smallness or endearment)
Etymology Origin:
The word "morsel" traces back to Latin morsus ("bite"), which evolved into Old French morsel ("a small bite or piece"). The diminutive suffix -el was added to emphasize the small size of the portion. Over time, it entered Middle English with the same meaning, retaining its association with tiny, bite-sized fragments—often of food but also extendable to other contexts.
She broke off a morsel of bread and handed it to the child.
The chef garnished the dish with a morsel of truffle.
He savored every morsel of the homemade pie.
Only a morsel of evidence remained to solve the mystery.
The dog begged for a morsel from the dinner table.