ell
UK[ɛl]US[ɛl]
n
The letter L, l.
n
An extension of a building at right angles to its main length.
n
A measure of length for cloth, varying historically but typically around 45 inches.
Etymology
The word 'ell' for the letter L originates from the Latin 'el', itself from the Greek letter name 'lambda'. The evolution is purely phonetic, representing the sound /l/. The other meanings of 'ell' derive from this alphabetic origin. The unit of measurement likely comes from the length of a forearm (from elbow to fingertip), with the letter 'L' or the word 'ell' being applied due to a visual or conceptual association with the bent arm's shape resembling the letter. The architectural term for an L-shaped extension directly references the letter's form, demonstrating how a simple alphabetic symbol generated multiple, tangentially related concrete meanings.
Analysis
This word is a simplex. It is the English name for the twelfth letter of the alphabet, derived from the letter's shape and sound.
Examples
The word "little" starts with an ell.
They added an ell to the old farmhouse for a new kitchen.
In medieval times, an ell of linen was a common purchase.