NYT Dictionary

MODICUM

/ˈmɑdɪkəm/
NounMOD-i-cummod-i-cum · 3 syllablesGrade 12

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2022, 2023, 2024

Meaning

A modest, small, or trifling amount.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English modicum, from Latin modicum (“a little, a small amount”), a noun use of the neuter form of modicus (“moderate; restrained, temperate; reasonable”) + -cum (suffix forming neuter nouns). Modicus is derived from modus (“a measure; a bound, limit”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *med- (“to measure”)) + -icus (suffix meaning ‘of or pertaining to’ forming adjectives). The plural form modica is derived from Latin modica.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

iotajottittleaceatomthoughtatomyaughtbisselcontinental

Antonyms

abundancebattalionarseloadassloadbellyloadboatloadbrimfulbusloadbucketfulbucketload

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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