Snowflake
Definition
A small, feathery ice crystal that falls from the sky as precipitation, often forming intricate, symmetrical patterns unique to each flake.
(Informal, derogatory slang) A person, typically perceived as overly sensitive, emotionally fragile, or unable to handle differing opinions without melting down—popularized in online culture wars.
(Computing) A unique identifier or process in data systems like Snowflake Inc.'s cloud platform, ensuring no two transactions clash like identical snowflakes.
Examples
The winter storm dumped a blanket of pristine snowflakes, each one plotting world domination before melting into a puddle.
Calling your barista a snowflake for messing up your oat milk latte might just get you decaf next time.
In the boardroom battle, he accused the intern of being a snowflake after she suggested fewer all-nighters.
Snowflake's database tech keeps data warehouses cooler than a millennial's ironic tattoo.