nonpareil

Nonpareil is a term with several meanings. It originates from the French nonpareil, meaning without equal, and is used in both confectionery and typography, among other contexts. In general English usage, nonpareil can also function as an adjective meaning unmatched or incomparable.

In confectionery, nonpareils are small decorations made from sugar, used to adorn cakes, cookies, and candies. They are typically tiny beads or flat discs, often white originally, and can be colored. They are produced by combining sugar with corn starch and other additives, then forming into small shapes that retain a rough, granular surface. They are commonly sold as nonpareils or by regional names, and are used for decorative toppings as well as in chocolate confections.

In typography, nonpareil refers to a specific size of movable type. Historically, nonpareil type measures about six points, roughly 1/12 of an inch, and was among the smallest sizes used in early modern printing. The name derives from the French expression non pareil, meaning no equal.

The term nonpareil also appears in phrases denoting excellence, such as “a nonpareil” for a person of outstanding quality.