lunette
UK[luːˈnɛt]US[luːˈnɛt]
n
a crescent-shaped or semicircular architectural feature, such as a window, aperture, or recess.
n
a ring mounted on a gun carriage for attaching the gun to a limber.
n
a type of eyeglass lens, especially one of a pair in old spectacles.
Morpheme Breakdown
lune
ette
lune
moon
ette
diminutive suffix
Etymology
the word lunette entered english in the 16th century from french, where it literally means "little moon." it is a diminutive form of the french 'lune,' which itself derives from the latin 'luna,' the word for the moon. this etymology directly informs its primary meaning, as a lunette is architecturally a semicircular or crescent-shaped opening, resembling the shape of a crescent moon. the term's application expanded to other objects with a similar arched or ring-like shape, such as a gun carriage attachment or a type of lens, all retaining the core concept of a form inspired by the moon.
Analysis
Structure: lune (moon) + ette (diminutive suffix)
lune (from latin 'luna', meaning moon); ette (a french diminutive suffix, indicating a small or lesser version).
Examples
the lunette window above the door allowed a soft light to filter into the chapel.
the soldiers secured the cannon by its lunette before moving the artillery piece.
in the portrait, the scholar peered through the small lunettes of his spectacles.