library
UK[ˈlaɪbrəri]US[ˈlaɪˌbreri]
n
A building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for people to read, borrow, or refer to.
n
A collection of books and periodicals held in such a building or room.
n
A collection of films, recorded music, genetic material, etc., organized systematically and kept for research or borrowing.
Morpheme Breakdown
libr
ary
libr
book
ary
place for
Etymology
The word 'library' traces its lineage to the Latin librarium, meaning "chest for books" or "bookcase," itself derived from liber, which originally referred to the inner bark of a tree used as a writing material. This semantic shift from a physical substance (tree bark) to the concept of a "book" reflects the evolution of writing technology in the ancient world. The suffix -arius, indicating a place or thing associated with something, was attached to form a noun specifying a location. Thus, the literal morphemic logic of "a place for books" has remained remarkably consistent from its Latin origins to its modern English meaning, which has expanded to include collections of non-print media.
Analysis
Structure: libr (book) + ary (place for)
- libr: From Latin liber (the inner bark of a tree, book). In this word, it functions as the core root meaning "book."
- ary: From Latin -arius (pertaining to, connected with). In this word, it functions as a suffix forming nouns meaning "a place for" or "connected with."
Examples
She spent the afternoon studying in the quiet university library.
The software comes with a comprehensive library of templates and icons.
He has built an impressive personal library of first edition novels.