I. ˈmā(ˌ)lā, māˈlā sometimes məˈlā or meˈlā or ˈme(ˌ)lā noun
( -s )
Etymology: French mêlée, from Old French meslee, medlee, melee mixture, argument, fight — more at medley
1. : a fight or contest between individuals mingled in a confused mass : a confused struggle
killed in a border melee
this week's wrestling card includes two team melees
2. : a cavalry exercise in which two groups of riders try to cut paper plumes off the helmets of their opponents
3. : a confused mingling together of often incongruous elements : mélange
pushing their … way through a melee of taxis, bicycles, and people — Atlantic
Synonyms: see brawl
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
: a small diamond cut from a fragment of a larger stone and usually less than one-eighth carat in weight