hazel
UK[ˈheɪz(ə)l]US[ˈheɪzəl]
n
a small tree or bush that produces nuts
n
a greenish-brown or yellowish-brown color, especially of a person's eyes
adj
of a greenish-brown or yellowish-brown color
Etymology
the word 'hazel' originates from the old english 'hæsel', which is related to the old norse 'hasl', the latin 'corylus', and the greek 'korylos', all referring to the hazel tree. these terms are believed to derive from a proto-indo-european root meaning 'hood' or 'helmet', likely a metaphorical reference to the shape of the nut's husk. the transition to describing a color occurred in middle english, directly from the common color of the hazelnut's shell. this etymological journey illustrates how a specific object's name can expand to denote an abstract quality like color.
Analysis
the word 'hazel' is a simplex word of old english origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the walking stick was carved from a branch of hazel.
she has striking hazel eyes that change color in the light.
they gathered hazelnuts from the woods in the autumn.