toss etymology

Etymology

The word "toss" derives from Proto-Germanic *tusōn, meaning "to pull, drag, or shake." It is related to the Old English word "tusian," which had a similar meaning.

Meaning

Toss means to throw or move something with a quick, upward motion. It can also refer to the act of flipping a coin or other object to make a decision.

Origin

The Proto-Germanic root *tusōn is thought to be derived from an earlier Indo-European root *teus-, meaning "to push or pull." This root is also found in the Latin word "tollere," meaning "to lift up," and the Greek word "teinein," meaning "to stretch."

The word "toss" first appeared in the English language in the 13th century. It was originally used to describe the act of throwing something, such as a ball or a stone. Over time, the meaning of the word broadened to include the act of flipping a coin or other object.

The following are some examples of how the word "toss" is used today:

• I tossed the ball to my friend.
• I'm going to toss a coin to decide who goes first.
• The waves tossed the boat back and forth.
• I tossed and turned all night, trying to sleep.

toss relate terms

• tassel

  Etymology The word tassel comes from the Middle French word tassel which in turn de

• talus

  Etymology The word talus derives from the Latin word talus which means ankle bone

• toss

  Etymology The word toss derives from Proto Germanic tusōn meaning to pull drag or

• toss

  Etymology The word toss derives from Proto Germanic tusōn meaning to pull drag or

• toss

  Etymology The word toss derives from Proto Germanic tusōn meaning to pull drag or

• jerk

  Etymology The word jerk has a complex history with several possible origins Possib

• convulse

  Etymology Latin convulsus past participle of convellere meaning to tear violent

• thresh

  Etymology The word thresh derives from the Old English þerscan meaning to beat or

• slash

  Etymology The word slash has several possible etymologies Old English slean To st

• hobble

  Etymology Middle English Middle English hobbele n to limp walk awkwardly from a b

• canvass

  Etymology The word canvass comes from the Old French word canevas which refers to a

• flip

  Etymology The word flip is derived from Old English fleopan meaning to move quick

• whittle

  Etymology Old English hwitel sharp instrument Middle English whitel to cut with

• motion

  Etymology The word motion comes from the Latin word motus which means movement or

• retire

  Etymology The word retire derives from the Middle English verb retieren which means

• tumble

  Etymology The word tumble is derived from the Middle English word tumblen which is