Etymology

Noun

1. A unit of weight and money used in ancient times in Greece, the Roman Empire, and the Middle East.
   • 1611, Authorized Version, Matthew XXV 14-15:

     For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

2. A desire or inclination for something.
   • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book X:

     ‘Faythfully,’ seyde Sir Dynadan, ‘I woll nat abyde, for I have suche a talente to se Sir Trystram that I may nat abyde longe from hym.’

3. After Matthew 25, above: A marked natural ability or skill.

   He has the talent of touching his nose with his tongue.

4. People of talent, viewed collectively; a talented person.
5. The men or (especially) women of a place or area, judged by their attractiveness.

   Not much talent in this bar tonight – let's hit the clubs.

Noun

1. talent (unit of weight)
2. talent (actual or potential ability)