card
UK[kɑːd]US[kɑːrd]
n
A small, rectangular piece of stiff paper or plastic, often with information printed on it, used for identification, sending a message, or playing games.
n
A piece of stiff paper with a person's name and other details, used in business or social contexts.
n
A playing card used in games.
n
A program of events at a race meeting or sports competition.
v
To ask someone to show proof of age or identity.
Etymology
The journey of 'card' begins with the ancient Greek 'khartēs', referring to a sheet of papyrus, a primary writing material. This term was adopted into Latin as 'charta', broadening to signify any piece of paper or a written document. Entering Old French as 'carte', its meaning specialized to denote playing cards and maps, items commonly made from paper or parchment. The English word 'card' was borrowed from French in the late Middle Ages, initially referring to playing cards and later expanding to encompass any small, flat piece of stiff paper used for various practical and social purposes, thus connecting the modern object directly to its ancient material origin.
Analysis
The word 'card' is a simplex loanword. It originates from the Old French 'carte', meaning a playing card or map, which itself came from the Latin 'charta', meaning paper or leaf of paper, and ultimately from the Greek 'khartēs', meaning a sheet of papyrus.
Examples
She gave me her business card at the networking event.
He shuffled the deck of cards before dealing.
You might get carded if you look young at that bar.