WHATNESS

PRONUNCIATION: (WAT-nis)

MEANING: noun: That which constitutes the fundamental nature of a thing: the essence or inherent quality.

ETYMOLOGY: From what, from Old English hwæt (what). Earliest documented use: 1611. See also, quiddity.
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WHAMNESS - the knockout potential of a boxer's plunch

CHATNESS - an artificial assessment of intelligence

WHATNESS - capacity for playing second base (with a tip o' the hat to Abbott and Costello)