The word 'wisp' is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /wɪsp/, with the letter 'w' making the 'w' sound and 'i' making the short 'i' sound. The letter 's' is pronounced with a soft 's' sound. The word refers to a small, thin or twisted strand of something, such as hair or smoke. It is a commonly used word in literature and poetry to describe delicate and fleeting images or objects.
A wisp refers to a thin, delicate, and ethereal strand or small cluster of something, often characterized by its faint, wispy appearance. The term is commonly associated with a delicate tuft or lock of hair that easily separates from a person's head or face, resembling a light and floaty thread. This notion can be extended to include other types of natural materials, such as smoke, mist, or clouds, especially when they take on a similar delicate and insubstantial aspect. It is often used to describe something that is elusive, ephemeral, or lacking solidity.
The term "wisp" can also pertain to a small bundle or bunch of straw, grass, or other fine and slender materials, typically bound together, which can be used for various practical purposes, such as lighting a fire or creating a broom. In this sense, a wisp signifies a slender and neatly gathered assemblage of lightweight materials, specifically arranged for a particular task.
Additionally, "wisp" can denote a faint trace or indication of something, often associated with a suggestion or hint. It can refer to a slight whisper or murmur of sound, particularly when it is barely audible, as if coming from a barely perceptible source or origin. This definition includes a subtle and delicate sound that is easily overlooked or ignored.
Overall, the term "wisp" encompasses various connotations of delicate and ethereal qualities, whether referring to strands, bundles, traces, or sounds, often emphasizing their lightness, insubstantiality, and elusive nature.
• See under whisk.
• A small bundle of straw or hay, or suchlike substance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "wisp" originated from the Old English word "wips", which meant "a small bunch or bundle of hay, twigs, or other material". It is also related to the Middle High German word "wispel", meaning "a measuring container for grains". Over time, the term "wisp" expanded its meaning to refer to a slender or thin object, and it eventually came to describe a thin, flimsy tuft or bundle of something, such as hair or smoke.