bookcase
UK[ˈbʊkkeɪs]US[ˈbʊkˌkeɪs]
n
A piece of furniture with shelves for storing books.
Morpheme Breakdown
book
case
book
object
case
container
Etymology
The word 'bookcase' is a transparent English compound formed from two native elements. 'Book' originates from the Old English 'bōc', related to the beech tree on which runes were carved, evolving to signify a written volume. 'Case' entered English via Old French from Latin 'capsa', a box for holding things. The compound logically combines these elements: a 'case' specifically designed to hold 'books'. This straightforward formation reflects the functional nature of the object, with the meaning directly derived from the sum of its parts.
Analysis
Structure: book (object) + case (container)
- book: From Old English 'bōc', meaning a written document or volume. In this compound, it denotes the object stored.
- case: From Old French 'casse', meaning a box or container, ultimately from Latin 'capsa' (box, receptacle). In this compound, it denotes the enclosing structure.
Examples
The heavy bookcase was filled with classic novels.
We need to assemble the new bookcase for the study.
She organized her textbooks alphabetically on the bookcase shelves.