chevron
UK[ˈʃevrən]US[ˈʃevrən]
n
a v-shaped line or stripe, especially one worn on the sleeve of a uniform to indicate rank or length of service.
n
a v-shaped pattern or symbol.
Morpheme Breakdown
chevr
on
chevr
rafter
on
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'chevron' entered english from old french, where 'chevron' meant "rafter," due to the resemblance of two rafters meeting at an angle to a goat's horns. this, in turn, derives from the latin 'capra', meaning "she-goat." the semantic journey moved from the animal (goat) to an architectural feature shaped like its horns (rafter), and finally to the heraldic and military insignia that retains the same v-shaped form. the modern abstract meaning of any v-shaped pattern or badge is a direct visual metaphor from this ancient root.
Analysis
Structure: chevr (rafter) + on (noun suffix)
chevr: from old french 'chevre' (goat, rafter), from latin 'capra' (goat). on: a common noun-forming suffix in english, often from old french or latin.
Examples
the sergeant proudly displayed three chevrons on his uniform.
the road sign featured a sharp chevron indicating a bend ahead.
the geese flew in a chevron formation across the autumn sky.