snippet
UK: ˈsnɪpɪt | US: ˈsnɪpɪt
n. a small piece or brief extract from something
n. a fragment of information or code
snippet = snip<to cut> + et<diminutive suffix>
- snip: From Middle Dutch snippen ("to snip, cut"), imitative of the sound of cutting.
- et: A diminutive suffix, often used to indicate smallness (e.g., packet, pocket).
Etymology Origin:
The word snippet emerged in the 17th century, combining snip (a quick cutting action) with the diminutive -et to convey "a small piece cut off." It originally described literal fragments (e.g., cloth) and later extended to abstract fragments (e.g., text or code). The onomatopoeic root snip reflects the sharp, quick sound of scissors, reinforcing the word’s association with brevity.
She saved a snippet of fabric for her quilt.
The article included a snippet from the interview.
He shared a code snippet to debug the program.
The book contained snippets of historical letters.
I overheard a snippet of their conversation.