sink etymology

Etymology:

The word "sink" originated from the Middle English word "sinke," which itself derived from the Old English word "sincan," meaning "to sink."

Meaning:

In modern English, "sink" has several meanings:

  • A plumbing fixture: A basin with a drain, typically used for washing dishes, hands, or cleaning purposes.
  • A place where something sinks or is absorbed: A pit or depression where water or other liquids disappear.
  • A state of decline or degradation: A situation where something is deteriorating, losing value, or becoming less significant.

Origin:

The ultimate origin of the word "sincan" is believed to be Indo-European, tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*seǵʰ-," meaning "to sink or settle." This root is also found in other languages, such as Sanskrit "sídati" (to sink, settle) and Greek "hizō" (to settle).

Additional Notes:

  • The word "sink" is often used figuratively to describe a decline in health, wealth, or status.
  • The term "kitchen sink" refers specifically to a sink installed in a kitchen for washing dishes and performing other cleaning tasks.
  • In geology, a "sinkhole" is a depression in the ground caused by the collapse of a cavern or underground void.

sink relate terms

  • swim

    Etymology The word swim originates from the Old English word swymman which is deriv

  • sink

    Etymology The word sink originated from the Middle English word sinke which itself

  • sinker

    Etymology The word sinker comes from the Old English word sincan which means to sin

  • source

    Etymology The word source derives from the Old French word source which in turn come

  • float

    Etymology French flotter to float Latin fluctuare to move in waves Proto Indo Euro

  • merge

    Etymology The study of the origin development and changes in words including their his

  • founder

    Etymology Middle English foundour from Anglo Norman French fundour from Latin fundā

  • labefaction

    Etymology labe Latin to cause to fall or slip faction Latin a making or doing

  • scuttle

    Etymology Middle English scutte from Old French escoute from Late Latin excutta f

  • course

    Etymology The word course comes from the Old French word curs which means a running

  • descend

    Etymology Old French descendre Latin descendere De down scandere to climb Me

  • prod

    Etymology Latin prodere meaning to betray to expose Old French proder prower me