hairbreadth
pronunciation
How to pronounce hairbreadth in British English:
UK ['heəbredθ]
How to pronounce hairbreadth in American English:
US ['herˌbredθ]
Word Origin
- hairbreadth (n.)
- also hairsbreadth, hairs-breadth, hair's breadth, mid-15c., said to have been formerly a formal unit of measure equal to one-forty-eighth of an inch. From hair + breadth.
Example
- 1. John was within a hairbreadth of death .