fed·e·li·ni \ˌfedəlˈēnē\noun (-s) Etymology: Italian (plural), alteration of fidellini, diminutive of Italian dialect (Genoese) fidelli (plural) vermicelli, probably from Spanish fideos (plural), from Judeo-Spanish fidear to grow, from Arabic fāḍa to abound, overflow : alimentary paste smaller than vermicelli