helmet
UK[ˈhelmɪt]US[ˈhelmɪt]
n
a hard or padded protective hat, various types of which are worn by soldiers, police officers, motorcyclists, sports players, and others.
Etymology
the word 'helmet' entered english in the late middle english period, borrowed from the old french 'helmet', a diminutive of 'helme'. the old french term has its origins in the frankish or other west germanic languages, cognate with old english 'helm', meaning 'protection, covering'. this germanic root, in turn, can be traced back to the proto-germanic 'helmaz', and further to the proto-indo-european root 'kel-', meaning 'to cover, conceal'. thus, the core concept of a protective head-covering has remained remarkably consistent from its ancient indo-european root, through its germanic evolution, into the modern english term for a vital piece of safety equipment.
Analysis
the word is a simplex. it is a diminutive form derived from the old french 'helme', meaning 'helmet', which itself came from a germanic source.
Examples
the cyclist always wears a helmet for safety.
the firefighter's helmet protected him from falling debris.
new regulations require all players to wear a helmet during games.