niche

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Translations 1.4 See also 2 French 2.1 Etymology 2.2 Pronunciation 2.3 Noun 2.4 Verb form

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

From Old (and modern) French niche, from nichier ‘make a nest’ (modern nicher), from Latin nidus ‘nest’.

[edit] Pronunciation

• (Australia, Ireland, UK) IPA: /niːʃ/
  • Rhymes: -iːʃ
• (US) IPA: /nɪʧ/, /nɪʃ/, /niʃ/
  •  Audio (US)^{help, file}
  •  Audio (US)^{help, file}
  • Rhymes: -ɪtʃ

[edit] Noun

niche (plural niches)

1. (architecture) A cavity, hollow, or recess, generally within the thickness of a wall, for a statue, bust, or other erect ornament. Hence, any similar position, literal or figurative.

   "Images defended from the injuries of the weather by niches of stone wherein they are placed." --Evelun.

2. (biology) A function within an ecological system to which an organism is especially suited.
3. (by extension) Any position of opportunity for which one is well-suited, such as a particular market in business.
4. An arrow woven into a muslim prayer rug pointing in the direction of Mecca.

[edit] Synonyms

• (position of opportunity): specialty, specialization,

[edit] Derived terms

• fundamental niche
• niche market

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• niché

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[edit] French

[edit] Etymology

Old French, from nichier (modern nicher), from Latin nidus ‘nest’.

[edit] Pronunciation

•  audio^{help, file}
• IPA: /niʃ/

[edit] Noun

niche f. (plural niches)

1. niche
2. kennel (for dog)
3. hoax, trick

[edit] Verb form

niche

1. first person singular indicative and subjunctive of nicher