Nearby Words

niching

[nich] Origin

niche

[nich] noun, adjective, verb, niched, nich·ing.
noun
1.
an ornamental recess in a wall or the like, usually semicircular in plan and arched, as for a statue or other decorative object.
2.
a place or position suitable or appropriate for a person or thing: to find one's niche in the business world.
3.
a distinct segment of a market.
4.
Ecology. the position or function of an organism in a community of plants and animals.
adjective
5.
pertaining to or intended for a market niche; having specific appeal: niche advertising.

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Niching is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
verb (used with object)
6.
to place (something) in a niche.

Origin:
1605–15; < French, Middle French, back formation from nicher to make a nest < Vulgar Latin *nīdiculāre, derivative of Latin nīdus nest

un·niched, adjective


2. calling, vocation, slot, berth.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

niche
1611, "shallow recess in a wall," from Fr. niche "recess (for a dog), kennel," 14c., perhaps from It. nicchia "niche, nook," from nicchio "seashell," probably from L. mitulus "mussel," but the change of -m- to -n- is not explained. Another suggestion is that the word is from an O.Fr. noun derived from
EXPAND
nichier "to nestle, nest, build a nest," via Gallo-Romance *nidicare from L. nidus "nest;" but that has difficulties, too. Figurative sense is first recorded 1725. Biological use dates from 1927.
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

niche (nĭch, nēsh)
n.

  1. An eroded or ulcerated area detected by contrast radiography.

  2. The function or position of an organism or a population within an ecological community.

  3. The particular area within a habitat occupied by an organism.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
niche   (nĭch, nēsh)  Pronunciation Key 
The function or position of a species within an ecological community. A species's niche includes the physical environment to which it has become adapted as well as its role as producer and consumer of food resources. See also competitive exclusion principle.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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