wisp etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: wisp, wispe
• Old English: wisp, hwesp
• Proto-Germanic: *wispa-

Meaning:

• A small, thin bundle of something, especially straw or hay
• A tiny bit or shred of something
• A small, fleeting cloud or wisp of smoke

Origin:

The word "wisp" is of Germanic origin, with cognates in various Germanic languages, including German "Wisp" and Dutch "wesp". It ultimately stems from the Proto-Germanic *wispa-, meaning "wisp, bundle of straw".

Semantic Shifts:

Over time, the meaning of "wisp" has undergone some semantic shifts:

• Originally: A small bundle of straw or hay used for various purposes, such as bedding, packing, or cleaning.
• Later: Any small, thin bundle of something, including hair, fibers, or shredded material.
• Figuratively: A tiny bit or shred of something, suggesting something small or insubstantial.
• Descriptive: A small, fleeting cloud or wisp of smoke, characterized by its airy and almost ethereal nature.

wisp relate terms

• wisp

  Etymology Middle English wisp wispe Old English wisp hwesp Proto Germanic wispa

• wispy

  Etymology The word wispy is derived from the Middle English word wispen meaning to

• wisp

  Etymology Middle English wisp wispe Old English wisp hwesp Proto Germanic wispa

• whisk

  Etymology and Origin of Whisk Etymology Old English wisc broom brush Origin Th

• toilet

  Etymology The word toilet has ultimately derived from the French word toile meaning

• spook

  Etymology The word spook has its origins in the Dutch word spook meaning ghost or

• parcel

  Etymology The word parcel comes from the Old French word parcelle which in turn deri

• bundle

  Etymology The word bundle comes from the Middle English bundel which is derived fro

• flock

  Etymology The word flock comes from the Middle English word flok which is ultimatel

• packet

  Etymology The word packet derives from the Middle French word paquetage meaning a