petite

Petite is a word with several related meanings, originating from the French adjective petite, meaning small or little. In English, it describes something small in size or stature and often reflects the feminine form of the French term. The word appears across domains, from language and culture to science and fashion, with its exact sense shaped by context.

In fashion, petite denotes clothing sized for shorter individuals. Petite garments are designed for heights around 5 feet 4 inches (approximately 162 cm) or shorter and feature adjusted proportions such as shorter sleeves, shorter torsos, and shorter inseams to maintain balanced fit. Brands commonly offer petite lines within their main collections, though size ranges and specific alterations vary by brand and region.

In biology, petite refers to a class of yeast mutants, notably Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that have defective mitochondrial DNA or compromised respiration. Petite strains exhibit altered growth and colony morphology and have been used in studies of mitochondrial inheritance and energy metabolism. The term reflects the reduced respiratory capability of these cells.

As a general adjective, petite can describe a person or object that is diminutive in size, with the term sometimes carrying a feminine or delicate connotation due to its French origins. Usage varies by culture and industry, and distinctions between petite and related terms such as short or slim may differ in practice.