Novel
WordNet
adjective
(1) Pleasantly new or different
"Common sense of a most refreshing sort"
(2) Original and of a kind not seen before
"The computer produced a completely novel proof of a well-known theorem"
noun
(3) A printed and bound book that is an extended work of fiction
"His bookcases were filled with nothing but novels"
"He burned all the novels"
(4) A extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
WiktionaryText
Etymology 1
< (modern ) < , diminutive of .
Etymology 2
In various senses from novelle (modern nouvelle) or novella, both from novella, a singular noun use of the neuter plural of novellus, from novus, new. Some senses came to English directly from the Latin.
Noun
- a work of prose fiction, longer than a short story
- a new legal constitution in ancient Rome
- a novelty