mite1
n.
a minute arachnid with four pairs of legs, several kinds of which are parasitic.
[Order Acari: many species.]
Etymology
OE mīte, of Gmc origin.
mite2
n.
- a small child or animal.
- a very small amount.
▸historical a small coin, in particular a small Flemish copper coin of very low face value.
adv.
(
a mite)
informal a little; slightly.
Etymology
ME (denoting a small Flemish copper coin): from MDu. mīte; prob. from the same Gmc word as mite1.
