Iota/aɪˈəʊtə/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emphasizing Negligibility Use 'iota' to stress the negligible degree of something when making comparisons or arguments. There isn't an iota of truth in his excuse. Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Emphasis 'Not one iota' is a common phrase used to emphasize a total lack of something. She didn't show one iota of remorse. Pro Tip 3/3Understatement 'Iota' can understate the significance of something, often for ironic or humorous effect. I have an iota of a chance to win the lottery.