Langimage
English

unaproned

|un-a-proned|

C1

/ʌnˈeɪprənd/

not wearing an apron / not covered by an apron

Etymology
Etymology Information

'unaproned' originates from English, specifically from the prefix 'un-' (Old English 'un-') combined with the word 'apron', where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'apron' ultimately comes from Old French 'naperon' (from Latin 'mappa' meaning 'cloth').

Historical Evolution

'apron' in Middle English came by rebracketing from Old French 'naperon' (seen as 'a napron' → 'an apron'); 'unaproned' is formed later by adding the negative prefix 'un-' and the adjectival/past participle suffix '-ed' to this noun.

Meaning Changes

Initially it literally described the absence of an apron or cloth covering; over time the compound has retained that basic sense and can also be used figuratively to mean 'not protected' or 'not covered'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

not wearing an apron; having no apron on.

The cook worked unaproned, worrying the health inspector.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

not covered or protected by an apron-like covering (figurative or literal).

The machinery left the workers unaproned to splashes of hot liquid.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/12/28 03:01