blow-dry
UK[ˈbləʊ draɪ]US[ˈbloʊ draɪ]
v
To dry hair and give it shape by using a hairdryer while brushing or combing it.
n
An act or instance of styling hair in this way.
Morpheme Breakdown
blow
dry
blow
to expel air
dry
to remove moisture
Etymology
The term 'blow-dry' is a modern English compound verb, formed in the mid-20th century with the advent of the handheld electric hairdryer. It combines the action of blowing air ('blow') with the intended result of removing moisture ('dry'). This transparent compounding reflects the functional logic of the hairstyling technique: using directed airflow to accelerate evaporation while simultaneously manipulating the hair into a desired style. The term efficiently names the tool's action and its purpose in a single, descriptive unit.
Analysis
Structure: blow (to expel air) + dry (to remove moisture)
'Blow' originates from Old English blāwan, meaning "to move air, to puff." 'Dry' originates from Old English drȳge, meaning "free from moisture." In this compound, 'blow' specifies the instrument (air from a dryer) and 'dry' specifies the primary action.
Examples
She prefers to blow-dry her hair straight rather than let it curl naturally.
The salon offers a cut and blow-dry for a fixed price.
After washing, gently towel-dry your hair before you begin to blow-dry it.