leeward
UK[ˈliːwəd]US[ˈliːwərd]
adj
on or toward the side sheltered from the wind
adv
toward the side sheltered from the wind
n
the side sheltered from the wind
Morpheme Breakdown
lee
ward
lee
shelter
ward
direction
Etymology
the word 'leeward' is a compound formed from two old english elements. 'lee' originates from the old english 'hlēo', meaning shelter or protection, which is related to the proto-germanic 'hlaiwaz'. the suffix '-ward', from old english '-weard', denotes direction, akin to turning or facing. thus, the literal construction 'shelter-direction' logically evolved to describe the side away from the wind, the direction one turns to find shelter from it. this nautical and meteorological term perfectly encapsulates the functional logic of its components.
Analysis
Structure: lee (shelter) + ward (direction)
lee (old english, meaning shelter or protection, especially from the wind or weather); ward (old english, a suffix denoting direction or orientation)
Examples
the ship drifted to the leeward side of the island.
we anchored in the leeward bay to avoid the strong winds.
the leeward slope of the mountain receives much less rainfall.