DIMINUTIVE

I. noun Etymology: Middle English diminutif, from Medieval Latin diminutivum, alteration of Late Latin deminutivum, from neuter of deminutivus, adjective, from deminutus, past participle of deminuere Date: 14th century a ~ word, affix, or name, a ~ individual, II. adjective Date: 14th century indicating small size and sometimes the state or quality of being familiarly known, lovable, pitiable, or contemptible, exceptionally or notably small ; tiny , see: small ~ly adverb ~ness noun