■ adjective
1》 of a size that is less than normal or usual.
2》 not great in amount, number, strength, or power.
3》 not fully grown or developed; young.
4》 (of a business or its owner) operating on a modest scale.
5》 insignificant; unimportant.
6》 archaic (of a person) low or inferior in rank or position.
■ noun ( ~s ) Brit. informal underwear.
■ adverb
1》 into ~ pieces.
2》 in a ~ manner or size.
Phrases
feel (or look ) ~ feel (or look) contemptibly weak or insignificant.
the ~ of the back the part of a person's back where the spine curves in at the level of the waist.
the ~ screen television as a medium.
Derivatives
~ish adjective
~ness noun
Origin
OE smæl , of Gmc origin.