inlet
UK[ˈɪnlet]US[ˈɪnlet]
n
a narrow strip of water that leads from the sea or a lake into the land
n
an opening through which liquid, air, or gas can enter a machine or a container
Morpheme Breakdown
in
let
in
let
Etymology
the word "inlet" is a transparent compound formed from two native english elements. the prefix "in-" denotes an inward direction, while the verb "let" carries its old sense of "to allow" or "to permit passage". literally, an inlet is a feature that "lets" or allows water "in" from a larger body into the shoreline or into a mechanical system. this straightforward combination, emerging in the late 16th century, perfectly captures the functional concept of an entrance or opening for ingress, whether in geography or engineering.
Analysis
Structure: in + let
- in (preposition/adverb): from old english "in", meaning "in, into, within". functions as a prefix indicating inward direction or location.
- let (verb): from old english "lǣtan", meaning "to allow, to permit". in this compound, it functions with the sense of "to allow passage".
Examples
the boat was anchored in a quiet, sheltered inlet.
a fuel inlet valve controls the flow of gasoline to the engine.
the map showed several small inlets along the rugged coastline.