| 释义 |
pic·a·yune
I. \ˌpikēˈyün, -kə̇ˈ-\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: French picaillon old copper coin of Piedmont, halfpenny, from Provençal picaioun, from picaio money, from pica to strike, prick, sound, jingle (from — assumed — Vulgar Latin piccare to prick, pierce) + -aio -al (from Latin -alia) — more at pike (weapon)
1.
a. : a Spanish half real piece formerly current in Louisiana and other southern states
b. : half dime
2. : something of very small or of the least value
< not worth a picayune >
II. \| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\ adjective
1. : of little value : paltry, measly
< not more than two or three countries are carrying on any sort of forest research, and these programs are picayune — William Vogt >
< compared to the total number of people employed, such cutbacks were still picayune — Time >
2. : concerned with trifling matters : petty, narrow, or small-minded in point of view
< within the limits of a short review it would seem picayune to be critical — W.F.Stolper >
Synonyms: see petty |