dryer
UK[ˈdraɪə(r)]US[ˈdraɪər]
n
a machine or device for removing moisture by heating or blowing air, especially one for drying hair, laundry, or dishes.
Morpheme Breakdown
dry
er
dry
adjective/verb
er
agent/instrument suffix
Etymology
the word 'dryer' is a transparent english compound formed from the adjective/verb 'dry' and the agentive suffix '-er'. the root 'dry' descends from proto-germanic drūgiz, which carried the core meaning of being free from liquid or moisture. the suffix '-er', from old english -ere, is a highly productive element used to denote a person or thing that performs an action. thus, the literal construction "that which dries" logically evolved into the modern term for a machine or appliance designed to remove moisture, perfectly encapsulating its function through its morphological components.
Analysis
Structure: dry (adjective/verb) + er (agent/instrument suffix)
dry (from old english drȳge, meaning "free from moisture"; of germanic origin). er (a suffix of old english origin used to form agent nouns or instrumental nouns).
Examples
i need to put the wet clothes in the dryer.
she used a hair dryer to style her hair quickly.
the new dishwasher also functions as a plate dryer.