gnat Hear it!

gnat Definition

gnat (nat)

noun

  1. any of various small insects, esp. certain dipterous flies, which often bite
  2. Brit. a mosquito

Etymology: ME < OE gnæt, akin to Ger dial. gnatze, LowG gnatte < IE *ghnedh- < base *ghen- > gnaw

gnat Related Forms
gnatty adjective
gnat Idioms

strain at a gnat

to hesitate or have scruples about trifles: Matt. 23:24

gnat Usage Examples

Possessives

  • whisker: The trouble is that he hasn't got a clue, not a gnat's whisker of know-how about building.

Converse of object

  • bite: Mosquitoes, biting gnats and biting or simply annoying flies can be locally numerous ( lower Singayta!

Adjective modifier

  • black: At that time I have enjoyed great sport as the black gnats have swarmed over the river and the trout have risen all day.
  • small: A variety of digestive processes can remove the available nitrogen compounds from the smallest gnat to a full grown rat.
  • tiny: A tiny gnat, invisible to me, must have fallen close to the droppings and tempted the fish.

Modifies a noun

  • whisker: Despite crossing the line together Hayden was given second place by a gnats whisker, with Alan third.
  • chuff: The chaps playing is as tight as a gnats chuff.
  • bite: Biting insect Presentation Midges, mosquitoes, and gnats Bites usually cause small papular lesions.

Noun used with modifier

  • fungus: The presence of fungus gnats is a warning sign.
gnat Quotes

Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

—Bible (NewTestament)

Browse dictionary entries near gnat

  1. gnash
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  3. gnarl
  4. gnar
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  7. GMT
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  1. gnathic
  2. gnathic index
  3. gnathite
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  5. -gnathous
  6. gnaw
  7. gnawing
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