brick
UK[brɪk]US[brɪk]
n
A small, hard rectangular block of baked clay, used for building walls, houses, etc.
v
To block or enclose an area with a wall made of bricks.
Etymology
The word 'brick' entered English in the 15th century from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, where it referred to a tile or a block of baked clay. Its deeper origins are obscure but may be linked to a hypothetical root related to breaking, reflecting early manufacturing methods where clay was shaped and broken into usable blocks. Over time, the term became standardized for the purpose-built, rectangular building unit we know today. The concept traveled with the material and the masonry technology, solidifying its place in the lexicon of construction.
Analysis
The word 'brick' is a simplex word. It is a loanword from Middle Dutch 'bricke' or Middle Low German 'bricke', meaning a piece of baked clay. Its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be related to the act of breaking, as bricks were originally broken pieces of baked clay.
Examples
The old house was built with red brick.
They decided to brick up the old fireplace.
He felt like he was talking to a brick wall.