gnaw etymology

Etymology:

• Proto-Germanic: *knagan
• Old English: gnagan
• Germanic: base *gna- means "to bite, chew"

Meaning:

• To bite or nibble at something persistently, especially with the teeth.
• To cause wear or damage by persistent biting.
• Figuratively, to criticize or find fault with something repeatedly.

Origin:

The word "gnaw" comes from the Proto-Germanic root *knagan, which is also the origin of the words "knee," "know," "notch," and "nut." The root word *kna- means "to bite, chew," and it is thought to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of biting hard objects.

The word "gnaw" entered the English language in the Old English period and has been in use ever since. It is a relatively common word, and it is used in both literal and figurative senses.

Examples:

• The mice gnawed on the cheese.
• The acid gnawed at the metal.
• He gnawed at his lip, trying to control his anger.

gnaw relate terms

• gnat

  Etymology The word gnat comes from the Old English word gnæt which is thought to be

• gnaw

  Etymology Proto Germanic knagan Old English gnagan Germanic base gna means to bi

• gnaw

  Etymology Proto Germanic knagan Old English gnagan Germanic base gna means to bi

• erode

  Etymology Origin Medieval Latin erodere from Latin e meaning out preposition r

• rodent

  Etymology The word rodent comes from the Latin word rodere which means to gnaw I

• scurf

  Etymology Middle English scurf from Anglo Saxon sceorfa of unknown origin Meaning

• raze

  Etymology Middle English rasen from Old French raser from Late Latin rāsus past

• scarf

  Etymology The word scarf comes from the Old French word escharpe which itself is de

• root

  Etymology The word root derives from the Old English word rōt which is of Germanic

• rostrum

  Etymology Latin rostrum beak prow platform Meaning A projecting or raised

• chew

  Etymology The word chew comes from the Old English word cēowan which means to chew

• decay

  Etymology Middle English decaien from Old French decaoir from Latin decadere decide

• bite

  Etymology The word bite comes from the Old English word bitan which means to cut or