novel Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
noun a printed and bound book that is an extended work of fiction
- his bookcases were filled with nothing but novels
- he burned all the novels
adjective satellite original and of a kind not seen before
fresh; new.
- the computer produced a completely novel proof of a well-known theorem
adjective satellite pleasantly new or different
refreshing.
- common sense of a most refreshing sort

OF. novel, nuvel, F. nouvel, nouveau, L. novellus, dim. of novus new. See New.

Of recent origin or introduction; not ancient; new; hence, out of the ordinary course; unusual; strange; surprising. ✍ In civil law, the novel or new constitutions are those which are supplemental to the code, and posterior in time to the other books. These contained new decrees of successive emperors. Syn. -- New; recent; modern; fresh; strange; uncommon; rare; unusual. -- Novel, New . Everything at its first occurrence is new; that is novel which is so much out of the ordinary course as to strike us with surprise. That is a new sight which is beheld for the first time; that is a novel sight which either was never seen before or is seen but seldom. We have daily new inventions, but a novel one supposes some very peculiar means of attaining its end. Novel theories are regarded with distrust, as likely to prove more ingenious than sound.

F. nouvelle. See Novel, a.

That which is new or unusual; a novelty.
pl. News; fresh tidings. Obs.
Some came of curiosity to hear some novels. Latimer.
A fictitious tale or narrative, professing to be conformed to real life; esp., one intended to exhibit the operation of the passions, and particularly of love. Dryden.
L. novellae (sc. constitutiones): cf. F. novelles. (Law) A new or supplemental constitution. See the Note under Novel, a.