barrette
UK[bəˈrɛt]US[bəˈrɛt]
n
A decorative clip for holding hair in place.
Morpheme Breakdown
barre
ette
barre
bar, rod
ette
diminutive suffix
Etymology
The word 'barrette' is a direct borrowing from French, where it is the diminutive form of 'barre', meaning a small bar or rod. The French 'barre' itself descends from Vulgar Latin 'barra', a term of uncertain but possibly Gaulish origin, referring to a barrier or rod. The diminutive suffix '-ette' transforms the base meaning from a simple rod to a small, slender hair accessory. Thus, the literal "little bar" evolved semantically to describe the specific function of a clip, typically with a clasp, used to fasten hair.
Analysis
Structure: barre (bar, rod) + ette (diminutive suffix)
barre (from French, ultimately from Vulgar Latin 'barra', meaning bar, rod); ette (from French, a diminutive suffix indicating smallness).
Examples
She secured her ponytail with a simple black barrette.
The antique barrette was adorned with a small pearl.
For the wedding, the children wore barrettes that matched the bride's bouquet.