Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Prestidigitation

Presˊti-digˊi-ta′tion

,
Noun.
Legerdemain; sleight of hand; juggling.

Definition 2024

prestidigitation

prestidigitation

English

Noun

prestidigitation ‎(plural prestidigitations)

  1. A performance of or skill in performing magic or conjuring tricks with the hands; sleight of hand.
    My favorite prestidigitation was when he pulled the live dove out of that tiny scarf.
  2. A show of skill or deceitful cleverness.
    His writing was peppered with verbal tricks and prestidigitation.

Related terms

Translations

French

Etymology

prestidigitateur +‎ -tion

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /pʁɛs.ti.di.ʒi.ta.sjɔ̃/

Noun

prestidigitation f ‎(plural prestidigitations)

  1. prestidigitation

Etymology

From French prestidigitation

from French preste ‎(“nimble, quick”)
from Italian presto
from Late Latin praestus ‎(“ready at hand”)
+ Latin digitus ‎(“finger”)
+ noun of process suffix -ation
from Latin perfect passive participle suffix -atus
+ suffix -io.
  • Note: despite the phonetic similarities, the words prestidigitator and prestidigitation have different origins from those of prestige, even though this in the past has meant "delusion, illusion, trick".

Pronunciation

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌprɛstɪˌdɪdʒɪˈteɪʃən/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˌprɛstəˌdɪdʒɪˈteɪʃən/
  • Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Similar Results