| diminutive |
| Definition:
(1) A derivative of a noun that denotes something that is small, loved, or young (e.g., a duckling is a small duck, a cigarette is a little cigar, and Lizzie is the Elizabeth that you love). (2) An affix that is used to create a diminutive (e.g., the ling in duckling and the ette in cigarette). |
| Etymology: The word derives via Old French from the Latin diminutivum (from de, completely + minuere, make small). |
| Oxford English Dictionary: The word's first citation is from 1580: "Where they honoured this old woman [Hecale], calling her by a diminutive Name, Hecalena." (North Plutarch (1676) 5) |