ScienceJuly 14, 2026
conceit
/kənˈsiːt/
Definition
A commonly held, often mistaken or outdated belief or guiding principle.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'conceptus' (meaning a thought or concept), the word entered Middle English via Old French. Over time, it evolved from simply meaning a 'concept' to often implying a fanciful or overly self-assured idea.
In the news
In this article, the word refers to the long-standing assumption among experts that the technical difficulties of spaceflight made orbital X-ray imaging impossible. This 'conceit' is now being disproven by successful new medical trials.
Astronauts take first X-rays in space
Read the full article ↗Popular Science