welter etymology

Etymology

The word "welter" derives from the Middle English term "wultren," which means "to roll" or "to wallow." It is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic root waltijaną, meaning "to roll."

Meaning

A welter is a state of confusion, disorder, or turmoil. It can also refer to a chaotic mixture of things or a tumultuous or violent struggle.

Origin

The term "welter" began to be used in English in the 14th century. It was initially used primarily to describe the act of rolling or wallowing, as well as the state of being rolled or wallowed in. By the 16th century, it had also acquired the figurative meaning of "a state of confusion or disorder."

The word's association with chaos and turmoil is likely due to its connection with the act of rolling or wallowing, which can be seen as a symbol of disorder and instability. Additionally, the term "welter" has been used to describe a variety of violent or chaotic events, such as wars, riots, and natural disasters, which have further contributed to its negative connotation.

welter relate terms

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  • welter

    Etymology The word welter derives from the Middle English term wultren which means

  • archivolt

    Etymology French archivolte Latin archivolutus past participle of archivolvere to r

  • circumvolve

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  • convoluted

    Etymology Convoluted derives from the Latin word convolvere meaning to roll up or

  • convolution

    Etymology Latin convolutio rolling up twisting together Derived from the verb

  • devolve

    Etymology Latin devoluere meaning to roll down or to transfer Meaning To t

  • elytra

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  • evolution

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  • evolve

    Etymology Middle English evoluen from Latin evolvere to unroll unfold Latin evolve

  • Helicon

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  • helicopter

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  • helix

    Etymology The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ helix which means s

  • helminth

    Etymology Helminth is derived from the Greek word helmins meaning intestinal worm

  • lorimer

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  • ileus

    Etymology The word ileus is derived from the Greek word eileós meaning twisting c

  • involve

    Etymology The study of the origin and history of words Meaning The intended or implied

  • revolt

    Etymology The word revolt comes from the Latin word revolvere which means to roll b

  • revolution

    Etymology Latin revolutio a rolling back return revolution re back again

  • revolve

    Etymology From Middle English revolve from Old French revolver from Latin revolvō

  • valve

    Etymology Middle English valve from Old French valve from Latin valva meaning le

  • vault

    Etymology Middle English vaute from Old French veute vault cellar cave from La

  • vault

    Etymology Middle English vaute from Old French veute vault cellar cave from La

  • volte face

    Etymology The phrase volte face is derived from the French expression volter face wh

  • voluble

    Etymology The word voluble comes from the Latin verb volvere meaning to roll or tur

  • volume

    Etymology The word volume is derived from the Latin word volumen meaning a roll or

  • voluminous

    Etymology The word voluminous comes from the Latin word volumen which means scroll

  • volute

    Etymology Latin voluta Greek ἕλιξ helix meaning coil spiral Meaning and O

  • volvox

    Etymology Volvox is derived from volvere to roll Meaning Volvox is a genus of mi

  • volvulus

    Etymology Volvulus is derived from the Latin word volvere meaning to roll to t

  • wale

    Etymology The word wale has multiple etymological origins Old English wæle Mean

  • walk

    Etymology The word walk derives from the Proto Germanic word walkaną meaning to roll

  • wallet

    Etymology The word wallet originates from the Old English word walett which in turn

  • wallow

    Etymology The word wallow has two distinct etymologies one for its main meaning and o

  • waltz

    Etymology Middle French valce German walzen to roll Old High German walzan Meani

  • well

    Etymology The word well comes from the Old English word wiella which is derived from

  • welter

    Etymology The word welter derives from the Middle English term wultren which means

  • whelk

    Etymology Middle English whelke from Old English hwylca Proto Germanic hwalkijǭ

  • willow

    Etymology The English word willow originates from an Old English word welige or wil

  • muddle

    Etymology The word muddle is derived from the Middle English word modlen which means

  • fuddle

    Etymology Middle English fudlen fudlen from Old English fudelian gefydelian to bec

  • smother

    Etymology Old English smoþrian meaning to suffocate Proto Germanic smudra Proto In

  • welterweight

    Etymology The word welterweight is derived from the Old English word wylter meaning

  • rummage

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  • move

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  • Thermos

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  • disorder

    Etymology Middle English disordre Old French dësorde Latin disordo from dis apar

  • nest

    Etymology The word nest comes from the Old English noun nest which meant a place wh

  • adjective

    Etymology The word adjective comes from the Latin word adjectivus which means added