el
|el|
C2
/ɛl/
unit of length
Etymology
Etymology Information
'el' originates from the Old English word 'eln', which was a measure of length based on the length of the forearm.
Historical Evolution
'eln' transformed into the Middle English word 'elle', and eventually became the modern English word 'el'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'forearm length', but over time it evolved into a standardized unit of measurement.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a unit of length, approximately equivalent to 45 inches or 114 centimeters, used in the past, especially in the textile industry.
The fabric was measured in els.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an elevated railway or train, often referred to as 'the El' in cities like Chicago.
I took the El to downtown Chicago.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/04 09:48