jagged

The word 'jagged' originates from the late Middle English verb 'jaggen', which meant to pierce, slash, or stab. This verb is likely of imitative or symbolic origin, possibly evoking the harsh, abrupt sound or action associated with tearing or piercing. The past participial adjective 'jagged' emerged to describe something that looks as if it has been torn or hacked, resulting in sharp, uneven points. Over time, its meaning solidified to describe any object or outline characterized by a rough, sharply irregular edge, moving from an action to a defining state or quality.

The word 'jagged' is a simplex form derived from the Middle English verb 'jaggen', meaning to pierce or stab. It is not productively formed from separable modern English morphemes.