locket
UK[ˈlɒkɪt]US[ˈlɑːkɪt]
n
A small ornamental case, typically made of gold or silver, worn round a person's neck on a chain and used to hold things such as a photograph or lock of hair.
Morpheme Breakdown
lock
et
lock
et
Etymology
The word 'locket' entered English in the late Middle English period, derived from the Anglo-Norman French 'loquet', a diminutive of 'loc', which itself meant a latch or lock. The core concept is that of a small, lockable fastening or enclosure. This etymological path reflects the object's function: a locket is essentially a small, often hinged case that 'locks' shut to securely enclose a personal memento, such as a portrait or a lock of hair. The diminutive suffix '-et' perfectly captures its characteristic as a miniature, decorative container worn as jewelry.
Analysis
Structure: lock + et
lock: From Middle English 'lok', Old English 'loc', meaning a fastening or an enclosure. In this context, it refers to a small case that fastens or encloses something.
et: A diminutive suffix of French origin, used to form nouns denoting a small version of something.
Examples
She wore a silver locket containing a picture of her grandmother.
He gifted her a gold locket on their anniversary.
The antique locket opened to reveal a tiny, faded photograph.