Hairlet

/ˈhɛərlət/ noun

Definition

A small piece or curl of hair; a thin, delicate hair or something resembling a small hair.

Etymology

From Old English 'hær' (hair) + '-let' (diminutive suffix, from Old French, meaning small). The '-let' suffix creates small versions of things.

Kelly Says

Diminutive suffixes like '-let' are fascinating because they let speakers be affectionate or specific—a 'hairlet' suggests something tiny and perhaps delicate, whereas just 'hair' is neutral and general.

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