armrest
UK[ˈɑːm.rɛst]US[ˈɑːrm.rɛst]
n
A part of a chair or seat that supports a person's arm.
Morpheme Breakdown
arm
rest
arm
body part
rest
support
Etymology
The word 'armrest' is a transparent compound formed within English from two native Germanic elements. The first element, 'arm', has a stable history from its Proto-Germanic root armaz, referring to the limb. The second, 'rest', derives from the Proto-Germanic rastō, which carried meanings of both a stopping place and a support. The compound logically and literally describes an object designed to support the arm, a concept that emerged with the development of furniture designed for comfort. Its formation follows the common English pattern of combining two nouns to create a new, self-explanatory term for a functional object.
Analysis
Structure: arm (body part) + rest (support)
- arm: From Old English 'earm', meaning the upper limb of the human body. Of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'arm' and German 'Arm'.
- rest: From Old English 'ræst, rest', meaning repose, support. Of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'rust' and German 'Rast'.
Examples
The leather armrest of the old chair was worn smooth.
She leaned her elbows comfortably on the padded armrests.
The airplane's armrest can be raised to make it easier to get in and out of the seat.