different between lightweight vs voiturette

English

Alternative forms

• light-weight

Etymology

From light (“not heavy”, adjective) +? weight (noun).

Pronunciation

• (noun): (US) IPA^(key): /?la?t.we?t/
• (adjective): (US) IPA^(key): /la?t?we?t/

Noun

lightweight (plural lightweights)

1. (combat sports) A particular weight class, or member of such, as prescribed by the rules, between that of the heavier welterweight and the lighter featherweight. See Wikipedia for the specifics of each sport.
2. (rowing) A particular weight category as prescribed by the rules, separate from an open or heavyweight class.
3. (weightlifting) A competitive weight division as prescribed by the rules, between the heavier middleweight and the lighter featherweight.
4. One of little consequence or ability.
5. A person who cannot handle their drink; one who gets drunk on very little alcohol.
   1. (by extension) A person with low endurance.
6. A political candidate with little chance of winning

Translations

Adjective

lightweight (comparative more lightweight, superlative most lightweight)

1. Lacking in earnestness, ability, or profundity
2. Having less than average weight
3. Lacking in strength
4. (computing) Having a small footprint or performance impact

Translations

English

Etymology

Borrowed from French voiturette, first used in 1895 by Léon Bollée to describe his new motor tricycle.

Noun

voiturette (plural voiturettes)

1. A small, compact car.
2. A lightweight vehicle with an engine of limited capacity.

Coordinate terms

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /vwa.ty.??t/

Etymology

voiture +? -ette. Genericization of brand name "Voiturette". Coined by Léon Bollée in 1895 to name his new motor tricycle, «Voiturette».

Noun

voiturette f (plural voiturettes)

1. small car
2. toy car
3. voiturette

Coordinate terms

Descendants

• English: voiturette

Further reading

• “voiturette” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).