# prestidigitation

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌpɹɛstɪˌdɪd͡ʒɪˈteɪʃən/

## Definitions
1. A performance of or skill in performing magic or conjuring tricks with the hands.
2. A show of skill or deceitful cleverness.

## Etymology
From French prestidigitation, from French preste (“nimble, quick”) + Latin digitus (“finger”) + French -ation (process suffix). The word has a different origin from prestige, even though this in the past has meant “delusion, illusion, trick”.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/prestidigitation