hairsplitting

[hair-split-ing]

hair·split·ting

[hair-split-ing]
noun
1.
the making of unnecessarily fine distinctions.
adjective
2.
characterized by such distinctions: the hairsplitting arguments of a political debate.

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Hairsplitting is always a great word to know.
So is ort. Does it mean:
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.

Origin:
1820–30; hair + splitting

hair·split·ter, noun


2. quibbling, niggling, nitpicking, captious.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To hairsplitting
Collins
World English Dictionary
hairsplitting (ˈhɛəˌsplɪtɪŋ)
 
n
1.  the making of petty distinctions
 
adj
2.  occupied with or based on petty distinctions
 
'hairsplitter
 
n

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