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snip

(snĭp)

v. snipped, snip·ping, snips

v.tr.

To cut, clip, or separate (something) with short, quick strokes.

v.intr.

To cut or clip with short, quick strokes.

1. An instance of snipping or the sound produced by snipping.

a. A small cut made with scissors or shears.

b. A small piece cut or clipped off.

c. A bit or scrap: snips of information about the merger.

3. Informal

a. One that is small or slight in size or stature.

b. A person regarded as impertinent or mischievous.

4. snips (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Hand shears used in cutting sheet metal.

5. Slang Something easily accomplished.

[Dutch or Low German snippen.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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