peak etymology

Etymology

The word "peak" comes from the Middle English word "pek," which is believed to have originated from the Old English word "peac," meaning "point" or "sharp point." This word is related to the Old Norse word "peikr," which also means "point" or "summit."

Meaning

The primary meaning of "peak" is a point or summit of a mountain or hill. It can also refer to the highest point or level of something, such as a peak performance or the peak of popularity. In less common usage, it can also mean a short period of time, typically a time of maximum intensity or activity.

Origin

The Old English word "peac" was likely derived from the Proto-Germanic word "pekwaz," which meant "point" or "peak." This word is also the origin of the German word "Gipfel" and the Dutch word "piek," both meaning "peak." The Proto-Germanic word itself is thought to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root "peik-," which means "to pierce" or "to cut."

peak relate terms

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  • turnpike

    Etymology From Middle English torepike turnepyke tornepyk from Anglo Norman French t

  • off peak

    Etymology Off adverb away from or not at a specified place time or level Peak

  • peak

    Etymology The word peak comes from the Middle English word pek which is believed to

  • peaked

    Etymology Middle English peaked from Middle French piquet staked spiked past pa

  • peak

    Etymology The word peak comes from the Middle English word pek which is believed to

  • point

    Etymology The word point comes from the Latin word punctum which means a prick a d

  • flower

    Etymology The word flower derives from the Old English word flōwer which is cognate

  • pinnacle

    Etymology Middle English pinacle from Old French pinacle diminutive of pin point

  • widow

    Etymology Middle English widewe from Old English widuwe ultimately from Latin viduus

  • culmination

    Etymology The word culmination originates from the Latin term culmen meaning top o

  • acromegaly

    Etymology and Meaning The word acromegaly is derived from Greek ἄκρος akros

  • attain

    Etymology Latin attingere to touch reach Proto Indo European teg teŋk to

  • acme

    Etymology The word acme comes from the Greek word ἀκμή akmē which means pe

  • mace

    Etymology Middle English mas or mace Old French mace Latin matius Meaning