[tal.ent] n [ME, fr. OE talente, fr. L talenta, pl. of talentum unit of weight or money, fr. Gk talanton pan of a scale, weight; akin to Gk tlenai to bear; in senses 2-5, fr. the parable of the talents in Mt 25:14-30--more at tolerate] (bef. 12c) 1 a: any of several ancient units of weight b: a unit of value equal to the value of a talent of gold or silver
2. archaic: a characteristic feature, aptitude, or disposition of a person or animal
3: the natural endowments of a person
4. a: a special often creative or artistic aptitude b: general intelligence or mental power: ability
5: a person of talent or a group of persons of talent in a field or activity syn see gift -- tal.ent.ed adj -- tal.ent.less adj