Etymologisable

/ˌɛtɪˈmɒlədʒaɪzəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of having its origin and historical development studied or explained.

Etymology

From etymologise + -able (capable of being). This British spelling variant developed in the 19th century as scholars needed a way to describe words whose origins could be traced.

Kelly Says

Not all words are etymologisable—some are so old or obscure that their true origins are lost to history, making them linguistic mysteries that scholars still debate today.

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