: finely crushed or powdered material (such as ore)
also : very small particles in a mixture of various sizes

Word History

Etymology

noun derivative of fine entry 1

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fines was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near fines

Cite this Entry

“Fines.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fines. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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