plummet
|plum/met|
B2
/ˈplʌmɪt/
rapid fall
Etymology
Etymology Information
'plummet' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'plommet,' where 'plom' meant 'lead.'
Historical Evolution
'plommet' transformed into the Middle English word 'plommet,' and eventually became the modern English word 'plummet.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a small lead weight,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to fall rapidly.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a weight attached to a line, used for determining water depth or vertical alignment.
The sailor used a plummet to measure the depth of the sea.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35