Definitions for factoidˈfæk tɔɪd

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

fac•toidˈfæk tɔɪd(n.)

  1. something fictitious or unsubstantiated that is presented as fact, devised esp. to gain publicity, and accepted because of constant repetition.

    Category: Common Vocabulary

  2. an insignificant fact.

    Category: Common Vocabulary

Origin of factoid:

1973, Amer.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. factoid(noun)

    something resembling a fact; unverified (often invented) information that is given credibility because it appeared in print

  2. factoid(noun)

    a brief (usually one sentence and usually trivial) news item

Wiktionary

  1. factoid(Noun)

    An inaccurate statement or statistic believed to be true because of broad repetition, especially if cited in the media.

  2. factoid(Noun)

    An interesting item of trivia.

  3. Origin: ; coined by in Marilyn (1973): "facts which have no existence before appearing in a magazine or newspaper, creations which are not so much lies as a product to manipulate emotion in the Silent Majority".


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