Vignette
WordNet

noun


(1)   A small illustrative sketch (as sometimes placed at the beginning of chapters in books)
(2)   A photograph whose edges shade off gradually
(3)   A brief literary description
WiktionaryText

Etymology


First attested in 1751. From , diminutive of < < . Replaced earlier vinet.

Noun



  1. A running ornament consisting of leaves and tendrils, used in Gothic architecture.
  2. A decorative design, originally representing vine branches or tendrils, at the head of a chapter, of a manuscript or printed book, or in a similar position.
  3. Any small borderless picture in a book, especially an engraving, photograph, or the like, which vanishes gradually at the edge.
  4. A short story that presents a scene or tableau, or paints a picture.
  5. The small picture on a postage stamp.

Verb



  1. To make, as an engraving or a photograph, with a border or edge gradually fading away.

Trivia


Vignette was the winning word at the 25th Scripps National Spelling Bee. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scripps_National_Spelling_Bee
 
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