eel)
|eel|
A2
/iːl/
(eel)
slender fish
Etymology
Etymology Information
'eel' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ǣl', which reflects a Proto-Germanic root '*ēlaz' meaning 'eel'.
Historical Evolution
'eel' changed from Old English 'ǣl' to Middle English forms such as 'el(e)' and eventually became the modern English word 'eel'. It is cognate with Dutch 'aal' and German 'Aal'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'the elongated, snake-like fish' and this basic meaning has been retained into modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
any elongated, snake-like fish of the order Anguilliformes, typically with a slim, tapering body; includes freshwater and marine species (e.g., the common eel or freshwater eel).
The fisherman caught an eel in the estuary.
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/03 13:51