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Definition of prestidigitation - 2 dictionary results

pres⋅ti⋅dig⋅i⋅ta⋅tion

  [pres-ti-dij-i-tey-shuhn]
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–noun
sleight of hand; legerdemain.
Origin:
1855–60; < F: lit., ready-fingeredness, coinage perh. based on prestigiateur juggler, conjurer, deriv. of L praestīgiae juggler's tricks (see prestige ). See prest 1 , digit, -ation

Related forms:
pres⋅ti⋅dig⋅i⋅ta⋅tor, noun
pres⋅ti⋅dig⋅i⋅ta⋅to⋅ry  [pres-ti-dij-i-tuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] , pres⋅ti⋅dig⋅i⋅ta⋅to⋅ri⋅al, adjective
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pres·ti·dig·i·ta·tion   (prěs'tĭ-dĭj'ĭ-tā'shən)   
n.  

  1. Performance of or skill in performing magic or conjuring tricks with the hands; sleight of hand.

  2. A show of skill or deceitful cleverness.


[French (influenced by prestigiateur, juggler, conjurer, from prestige, illusion), from prestidigitateur, conjurer : preste, nimble (from Italian presto; see presto) + Latin digitus, finger; see digit.]
pres'ti·dig'i·ta'tor n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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