corrugation
UK[ˌkɒrʊˈɡeɪʃən]US[ˌkɔːrəˈɡeɪʃən]
n
A series of parallel ridges and grooves, or the process of forming them.
n
The state of being shaped into such ridges and grooves.
Morpheme Breakdown
cor
rug
ation
cor
together
rug
a wrinkle, fold, or crease
ation
Etymology
The word 'corrugation' is built from the Latin verb 'corrugare', meaning 'to wrinkle up'. This verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix 'com-' (here assimilated to 'cor-') and 'ruga', meaning 'wrinkle'. The literal sense is thus 'to wrinkle thoroughly'. The suffix '-ation' was added to form a noun describing the process or result of this action. Over time, the meaning evolved from the general concept of wrinkling to the more specific, often parallel, ridges and grooves seen in materials like metal or cardboard, emphasizing a structured, repeated pattern rather than a random crease.
Analysis
Structure: cor + rug + ation
- cor: (Latin origin, intensive prefix) A variant of 'com-' meaning 'together' or 'thoroughly'.
- rug: (Latin origin, root) From 'ruga', meaning 'a wrinkle, fold, or crease'.
- ation: (Latin/French origin, suffix) A noun-forming suffix indicating an action, process, or result.
Examples
The corrugation of the metal roof helps to strengthen it and channel rainwater away.
The artist used a special tool to create a fine corrugation on the surface of the clay.
The geological map showed a clear corrugation of the rock layers, evidence of immense tectonic pressure.