elite
or é·lite
[ ih-leet, ey-leet ]
/ ɪˈlit, eɪˈlit /
noun
(often used with a plural verb)
the choice or best of anything considered collectively, as of a group or class of persons.
(used with a plural verb)
persons of the highest class: Only the elite were there.
a group of persons exercising the major share of authority or influence within a larger group: the power elite of a major political party.
a type, approximately 10-point in printing-type size, widely used in typewriters and having 12 characters to the inch.
Compare pica1.
adjective
representing the most choice or select; best: an elite group of authors.
Origin of elite
1350–1400; Middle English
elit a person elected to office < Middle French
e(s)lit past participle of
e(s)lire to choose; see
elect
OTHER WORDS FROM elite
an·ti·e·lite, noun, adjective non·e·lite, noun su·per·e·lite, nounWords nearby elite
Example sentences from the Web for elite
British Dictionary definitions for elite
elite
lite
/ (ɪˈliːt, eɪ-) /
noun
(sometimes functioning as plural)
the most powerful, rich, gifted, or educated members of a group, community, etc
Also called: twelve pitch
a typewriter typesize having 12 characters to the inch
adjective
of, relating to, or suitable for an elite; exclusive
Word Origin for elite
C18: from French, from Old French
eslit chosen, from
eslire to choose, from Latin
ēligere to
elect