exiguous
UK/eg'zigjuәs/US
GREC2
Definitions
adj.
Very small in amount or size; scanty, meager
稀少的，微薄的，不足的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom exiguus, related to exigere ('to weigh out, measure exactly'). Something exiguous has been measured out so precisely that little is left — hence scanty, meager. The same 'driving/weighing out' family as exact and exigent.
Root ag still carries 21 more wordsWhy It Means This
exiguous belongs to the exact/exigent cluster (all from exigere, 'weigh out'). When something is measured out down to the last bit, what remains is exiguous — scanty. It's a formal, bookish word for 'barely enough.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
They survived on an exiguous supply of food.