gall etymology

Etymology:

The word "gall" has multiple etymologies depending on its specific meaning and context.

1. Anatomical:

• Old English "gealla" (bile)
• Proto-Germanic "*gallaz" (bile, poison)
• Possibly from Proto-Indo-European "*ghel-" (to shine, to be yellow)

2. Botany:

• Late Middle English "galle" (plant swelling caused by insects)
• From Old French "gale"
• Possibly ultimately from Gaulish "*gahlos" (chestnut)

3. Bitter or Animosity:

• Late Middle English "galle" (bitterness, spite)
• From Old Norse "gall" (bitterness)
• Possibly related to Proto-Germanic "*gal laz" (bitter poison)

Meaning and Origin:

1. Anatomical:

• Gall refers to the bitter, yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It aids in the digestion of fats.
• Originating from the Proto-Indo-European root for "shine" or "yellow," due to its distinctive color.

2. Botany:

• Gall describes a swelling or abnormal growth on a plant, usually caused by an insect or fungus.
• May be related to the Gaulish word for "chestnut," as galls often form on oak trees, which are a food source for chestnuts.

3. Bitter or Animosity:

• Gall figuratively refers to intense bitterness, resentment, or ill will.
• Possibly connected to the bitter taste of literal gall or the bitterness associated with insect infestations that cause plant galls.

gall relate terms

• galling

  Etymology Old English galn severe harmful Proto Germanic galna cruel malicious

• gall

  Etymology The word gall has multiple etymologies depending on its specific meaning and

• gall bladder

  Etymology Gall Latin fel meaning bile Bladder Latin vesica meaning bladder

• gall

  Etymology The word gall has multiple etymologies depending on its specific meaning and

• bladder

  Etymology Middle English bladre from Old English blædre blæddre Proto Germanic b

• chafe

  Etymology and Meaning of Chafe The word chafe has multiple origins Old English

• fret

  Etymology From Middle English freten fretten freten from Old English fretian to de

• Galloway

  Etymology The surname Galloway is derived from the name of the region of Galloway in sout

• cholesterol

  Etymology and Meaning The term cholesterol is derived from the Greek words chole χ

• felon

  Etymology The word felon originates from the Old French word felon which ultimately

• marble

  Etymology The word marble comes from the Latin word marmor which is derived from the

• resentment

  Etymology The word resentment comes from the Latin word resentire which means to f

• rugged

  Etymology The word rugged originated from the Old Norse word hruggr meaning shaggy

• hostility

  Etymology Hostility is derived from the Latin word hostilis hostile which is linked