miniskirt
UK[ˈmɪniskɜːt]US[ˈmɪniskɜːrt]
n
a very short skirt, typically one with the hemline well above the knees.
Morpheme Breakdown
mini
skirt
mini
small
skirt
garment
Etymology
the word 'miniskirt' is a modern english compound, formed in the 1960s. the first element, 'mini-', is derived from the latin 'minimus' (smallest), which entered english as a prefix to denote a reduced or scaled-down version of something. the second element, 'skirt', originates from old norse 'skyrta', a term for a shirt or tunic, which evolved in middle english to specifically mean a woman's garment hanging from the waist. the compound thus logically and literally describes a 'small skirt', directly reflecting its defining characteristic of a shortened hemline compared to traditional skirts.
Analysis
Structure: mini (small) + skirt (garment)
- mini: from latin 'minimus', meaning 'smallest'. functions as a combining form denoting a small or miniature version.
- skirt: from old norse 'skyrta', meaning 'shirt'. functions as the base noun denoting a garment hanging from the waist.
Examples
she wore a bright red miniskirt and a white blouse to the party.
the fashion designer is credited with popularizing the miniskirt in the 1960s.
the dress code does not allow miniskirts in the office.