eleven
UK[ɪˈlɛv(ə)n]US[ɪˈlɛvən]
n
the number 11
n
a group or team of eleven people, especially in sports
Etymology
the word "eleven" originates from old english "endleofan," which itself is derived from a proto-germanic compound ainalif, meaning "one left" (over ten). this construction, where numbers 11 and 12 are phrased as "one-left" and "two-left," is a relic of a duodecimal counting system. it is cognate with old frisian "andlova," old saxon "elleban," and old high german "einlif." the modern form "eleven" emerged in middle english, with the initial "en-" assimilating to "el-" and the "-leofan" simplifying to "-leven," obscuring the original "one left" logic for contemporary speakers.
Analysis
the word is a simplex unit. its components are not productively separable in modern english spelling.
Examples
she turned eleven last week.
the cricket team fields a full eleven.
please turn to page eleven in your textbook.