notion

no·tion Audio Help (nō'shən)

A belief or opinion.
A mental image or representation; an idea or conception.
A fanciful impulse; a whim. See Synonyms at idea.
notions Small lightweight items for household use, such as needles, buttons, and thread.

[Middle English nocioun, concept, from Latin nōtiō, nōtiōn-, from nōtus, known, past participle of nōscere, to get to know; see gnō- in Indo-European roots.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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