medal
UK[ˈmed.l̩]US[ˈmed.l̩]
n
a flat piece of metal, usually shaped like a coin, that is given to someone who has won a competition or who has done something very brave
Etymology
The word 'medal' entered English in the late 16th century from the French 'médaille', which itself derived from the Italian 'medaglia'. The Italian term likely originated from the Vulgar Latin 'medalia, meaning "a coin worth half a denarius," which traces back to the Latin 'medialis' (middle) or 'medium' (a middle thing). This etymological journey reflects the object's evolution from a specific denomination of coin in antiquity to a commemorative disk awarded for merit or achievement, shifting its primary value from monetary to symbolic honor.
Analysis
The word 'medal' is a simplex loanword from French. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes in its modern English spelling.
Examples
She won a gold medal in the 100-meter sprint.
The soldier was posthumously awarded a medal for his bravery.
His collection includes medals from every Olympic Games since 1960.