Random article ( of 1118 ) Latest updates

User Tools

Site Tools


content / language / etymology / log_etymology

Wikenigma - an Encyclopedia of Unknowns Wikenigma - an Encyclopedia of the Unknown

'Log' etymology

Log (n.1)
An unshaped large piece of tree, early 14c., of unknown origin. Old Norse had lag "felled tree" (from stem of liggja "to lie," hence "a tree that lies prostrate"), but many etymologists deny on phonological grounds that this can be the root of English log. Instead, they suggest an independent formation meant to "express the notion of something massive by a word of appropriate sound" [OED, which compares clog (n.) in its original Middle English sense "lump of wood"].

Source : Online Etymology Dictionary

Note: The Online Etymology Dictionary maintains a free-access list of the origins of thousands of English words, a significant proportion of which are unknown

THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT USE TRACKING, ADVERTISING, OR ANALYTICAL COOKIES OF ANY KIND.
All essential cookies (for login status etc) are automatically deleted at the end of the session.
(full details here)

Show another (random) article

Suggestions for corrections and ideas for articles are welcomed : Get in touch!


Further resources :