ivy
UK[ˈaɪvi]US[ˈaɪvi]
n
a climbing plant with dark green shiny leaves, often seen growing on walls and trees.
Etymology
the word "ivy" has a direct lineage from old english īfiġ, a term of germanic origin. it is related to middle low german īflōf and old high german ebah, all referring to the climbing plant. the word's journey is straightforward, passing from a common germanic root into old english and then modern english with minimal phonetic and semantic change, retaining its core reference to the evergreen vine.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from old english īfiġ, which is of germanic origin.
Examples
the old stone wall was completely covered in ivy.
she wore a crown of ivy and berries in her hair.
ivy can damage brickwork if it is not kept in check.