icepick
UK[ˈaɪspɪk]US[ˈaɪsˌpɪk]
n
a sharp, pointed tool used for breaking or chipping ice
Morpheme Breakdown
ice
pick
ice
frozen water
pick
pointed tool
Etymology
The word 'icepick' is a transparent compound formed from two native English elements. 'Ice' descends from the Proto-Germanic īsą, a word of uncertain deeper origin, which has consistently denoted frozen water. 'Pick' has a more complex history, likely related to 'pike', and denotes a tool with a sharp point for piercing or breaking. The compound logically and literally names a tool designed for the specific purpose of picking at or breaking ice, reflecting a straightforward functional naming convention common in English.
Analysis
Structure: ice (frozen water) + pick (pointed tool)
ice: From Old English īs, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch ijs and German Eis. Functions as the object or material the tool is designed for.
pick: From Middle English pik, pike, of uncertain origin, perhaps a variant of pike. Functions as the type of tool or implement.
Examples
The bartender used an icepick to chip off pieces of ice for the cocktails.
In the past, icepicks were essential tools for ice harvesting from frozen lakes.
Be very careful when handling an icepick, as its point is extremely sharp.