frame
UK[freɪm]US[freɪm]
n
The basic structure of a building, vehicle, or piece of furniture that gives it its shape and strength.
n
A border of wood, metal, etc. that holds a picture, window, or mirror in position.
v
To put a border around a picture, photograph, etc.
v
To produce false evidence so that an innocent person appears guilty of a crime.
Etymology
The word 'frame' originates from the Old English verb 'framian', meaning "to be helpful, to profit, to make progress." This verb is related to the Old Norse 'framr', meaning "forward, prominent," and the Old English adjective 'fram', meaning "vigorous, bold." The core semantic notion is one of forward movement, advancement, and making something ready or fit. Over time, this sense of preparation and construction evolved into the Middle English 'framen', which meant "to shape, prepare, build." The modern meanings, encompassing both the structural border of an object and the act of constructing or enclosing, flow logically from this history of shaping and preparing material into a useful or defined form.
Analysis
The modern English word 'frame' is a simplex word derived from a single, tight Germanic root. It is not productively segmentable into distinct, meaningful morphemes in contemporary English.
Examples
The house's wooden frame was sturdy and well-built.
She chose a silver frame for her graduation photograph.
The detective suspected the evidence had been used to frame the suspect.