Used to describe issues that don't deserve attention in the given situation. Arguing over who arrived first is picayune and distracts from the meeting's agenda.
Pro Tip 2/3
Slight Negative Tone
Carries a mildly dismissive attitude toward the item or subject being discussed. She dismissed his objections as picayune, unworthy of further consideration.
Pro Tip 3/3
Context Driven
Its significance depends on context; what's picayune in one scenario might be crucial in another. In large businesses, such picayune expenses are often ignored.