emit
UK[ɪˈmɪt]US[ɪˈmɪt]
v
To send out something such as light, heat, sound, or gas.
Morpheme Breakdown
e
mit
e
out
mit
send
Etymology
The word 'emit' originates from the Latin verb 'emittere', a compound of 'e-' (a variant of 'ex-', meaning 'out') and 'mittere' (meaning 'to send, let go'). This Latin term directly described the action of sending something out or discharging it. The root 'mittere' is prolific in English, giving rise to a family of words like 'transmit', 'admit', and 'permit', all centered on the core concept of sending. Over time, 'emit' evolved from its general Latin sense to its specific modern English usage, which focuses on the discharge of energy, particles, or substances, such as light, sound, or gas.
Analysis
Structure: e (out) + mit (send)
e- (Latin prefix, variant of 'ex-', meaning 'out'); mit (Latin root, from 'mittere', meaning 'to send').
Examples
The device emits a high-pitched sound when the battery is low.
The new regulations aim to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by factories.
A firefly emits light from its lower abdomen to attract a mate.