foil etymology

Etymology:

The word "foil" originates from the Old French word "fuoille," which evolved from the Latin word "folium," meaning "leaf."

Meaning:

A foil is:

• A thin, flexible sheet of metal (usually aluminum or tin)
• A metallic leaf placed under a gemstone to enhance its brilliance
• A person or thing that contrasts with another, making the latter seem more prominent or impressive

Origin:

The use of the word "foil" in the sense of a thin sheet of metal developed from its original meaning of "leaf." Just as leaves are thin and flexible, so too are foils. The use of the word "foil" to describe a contrasting person or thing is also derived from the notion of a leaf. A foil serves to set off and enhance the main subject, just as a leaf provides a backdrop for a flower.

Related Words:

• Foliage (leaves)
• Foliate (to ornament with leaves)
• Folic acid (a B vitamin found in leafy vegetables)

foil relate terms

• full

  Etymology Sanskrit pratipaksha prati against paksha side Meaning Opponen

• aerofoil

  Etymology Aero Greek meaning air Foil Old French meaning leaf Meaning An

• aero

  Etymology The word aero is derived from the Greek word ἀήρ aer meaning air

• foil

  Etymology The word foil originates from the Old French word fuoille which evolved f

• thwart

  Etymology The word thwart has its origins in the Old English word þweorh which mean

• spoil

  Etymology The word spoil comes from the Old French word spolier which means to rob

• aluminum

  Etymology The word aluminum is derived from the Latin word alumen which refers to a

• Nimrod

  Etymology The name Nimrod comes from the Hebrew word נִמְרוֹד nimrōd which m

• fencing

  Etymology The word fencing comes from the Middle French word fencer meaning to def

• disappoint

  Etymology Middle English disapoynten from Old French despointer desappointer Old Fr

• attention

  Etymology The word attention comes from the Latin word attendere which means to dir

• dash

  Etymology The word dash comes from the Old French word dascher which means to strik

• shad

  Etymology The word shad comes from the Old English word sceadda which is thought to