swallow etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English "swelgan" (to swallow)
  • Proto-Germanic "swalgan"
  • Proto-Indo-European root "*swelǵ-" (to swallow)

Meaning:

  • To take something into the mouth and down the throat
  • To engulf or consume
  • To accept or believe something without question
  • To endure or suffer something unpleasant

Origin:

The word "swallow" has ancient origins and is related to words for "throat" and "gulp" in many Indo-European languages.

  • Sanskrit "gala" (throat)
  • Greek "glōssa" (tongue)
  • Latin "gula" (throat, gullet)
  • Old Irish "slig" (throat, esophagus)

The common Indo-European root "*swelǵ-" suggests that the concept of swallowing was fundamental to human experience and language.

Interesting Facts:

  • In some dialects of English, "swallow" can also mean "a whirlpool" or "a small stream."
  • The word "gullet" is derived from the Latin "gula" and means "the passage from the throat to the stomach."
  • The act of swallowing is a complex reflex that involves several muscles and glands.

swallow relate terms

  • wand

    Etymology Wand originates from Middle Dutch wande meaning rod branch or staff

  • wind

    Etymology of Wind The English word wind originates from the Old English word wind

  • manticore

    Etymology The word manticore derives from the Ancient Persian mardīkhor meaning m

  • swallow

    Etymology Old English swelgan to swallow Proto Germanic swalgan Proto Indo Europe

  • drink

    Etymology The word drink comes from the Old English word drincan which is derived fr

  • bury

    Etymology The word bury derives from the Old English word byrgan which means to hid

  • devour

    Etymology Old French devourer Latin dēvorāre PIE gʷer to swallow devour Me

  • knock

    Etymology Middle English knokken from Old English cnocian Germanic root knut to

  • absorb

    Etymology The word absorb comes from the Latin word absorbere which means to suck

  • gull

    Etymology The word gull is derived from the Middle English word gulle which in turn

  • mouth

    Etymology The word mouth comes from the Old English word mūþ which is believed to

  • enclose

    Etymology Middle English enclosen from Anglo Norman French enclos present participle

  • speak

    Etymology The word speak originates from the Old English word specan which means to