Flotilla

/floʊˈtɪl.ə/ noun

Definition

A small fleet of ships or boats, or a group of similar vehicles or objects moving together.

Etymology

From Spanish 'flotilla' (diminutive of 'flota' meaning fleet), ultimately from Latin 'fluctus' (wave). The Spanish diminutive suffix '-illa' gives the sense of a small fleet.

Kelly Says

The Spanish diminutive '-illa' creates 'small' versions of words—flotilla is a 'small fleet,' and Spanish speakers do the same with '-ito' and '-ita,' showing how different languages systematize size with suffixes!

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