corrugated
Meaning
Shaped into a series of parallel ridges and grooves.
(of cardboard or similar material) having a rigid fluted lining.
Structure
Usage
The roof was made of corrugated iron sheets.
Corrugated cardboard is commonly used for shipping boxes.
His brow was corrugated with deep lines of concern.
Etymology
The word 'corrugated' originates from the Latin verb 'corrugare', which is a compound of the intensive prefix 'com-' (meaning 'together' or 'thoroughly') and 'ruga' (meaning 'wrinkle'). The literal sense is 'to wrinkle up' or 'to draw into wrinkles'. This term entered English in the early 17th century, primarily as a past participle adjective. The modern technical meaning, referring to materials like cardboard or metal pressed into a series of parallel ridges and furrows to add strength and rigidity, developed logically from the core idea of being thoroughly folded or wrinkled. The 'cor-' prefix intensifies the action, transforming a simple wrinkle into a structured, repeated pattern.
Analysis
- cor: A Latin prefix meaning 'together' or 'completely'. It is an assimilated form of 'com-' used before 'r'. - rug: From the Latin root 'ruga', meaning 'a wrinkle' or 'fold'. - ated: A complex suffix from Latin '-atus', forming past participles and adjectives meaning 'provided with' or 'characterized by'.