Nippiest

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having the highest degree of coldness or chill ; exhibiting the greatest boldness, liveliness, or quickness in movement or action
2. Being at the extreme of temperature that causes a sharp or biting sensation ; showing the most spirited or energetic qualities
3. Characterized by the strongest sensation of coldness or sharpness in weather or atmosphere ; possessing the most brisk, lively, or daring nature

Etymology: "Nippiest" is simply the superlative of "nippy," which describes weather or air that is sharply cold. Its history runs through the word "nip," a verb meaning to pinch or bite, which English has used since the Middle Ages. The nip in "nip" is a sharp, sudden pinch, and "nippy" took that sensation and applied it to the cold air that stings the skin. The "-y" ending is an ordinary English suffix that turns a noun or verb into an adjective describing a quality, as in "windy" or "stony." So "nippy" means "having the quality of a nip," and "nippiest" carries that sense to its highest degree, meaning the coldest and sharpest of all.

Synonyms: coldest, chilliest

Antonyms: warmest, hottest