A calculation or estimate made without precise data, combining guessing and estimating; to make such an approximation.
A portmanteau blending 'guess' and 'estimate,' likely coined in the mid-20th century. This represents modern English's playful approach to creating new words by fusing existing ones, especially in technical contexts.
Portmanteaus like 'guesstimate,' 'brunch,' and 'Brexit' represent English's creative productivity—unlike languages with strict word-formation rules, English lets speakers blend words together, and if enough people use it, it becomes standard vocabulary (guesstimate is now in major dictionaries).
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