mirror
Meaning
a surface, typically of glass coated with a metal amalgam, which reflects a clear image.
to reflect or represent something accurately.
Structure
Usage
she checked her hair in the hallway mirror.
the still lake perfectly mirrored the surrounding mountains.
his actions often mirror his father's behavior.
Etymology
the word 'mirror' entered english in the early 13th century from old french 'mireor', itself derived from latin 'mirari' ('to wonder at, admire'). the core semantic link is that a mirror was originally seen as an object that provokes wonder or admiration by showing one's reflection. the suffix '-or' denotes an agent or instrument, thus forming a noun meaning 'a thing that causes one to admire'. this evolution from the concept of admiration to a functional reflective surface illustrates how the object's ability to reveal an image was initially perceived as marvelous.
Analysis
mirr (from latin 'mirari', meaning 'to wonder at, admire'), or (agentive suffix from latin '-ator', indicating a thing that performs an action).