mop
UK[mɒp]US[mɑːp]
n
A tool for cleaning floors, consisting of a bundle of thick strings or a sponge attached to a long handle.
n
A thick mass of untidy hair.
v
To clean or soak up liquid from a surface using a mop.
v
To wipe sweat or tears from one's face.
Etymology
The word 'mop' first appeared in English in the late 15th century, likely as a borrowing from a regional language or as an expressive formation. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it may be related to the Latin 'mappa', meaning 'napkin' or 'cloth', which also gave us the word 'map'. The core concept is a bundle of cloth or fibers used for wiping. The semantic journey is straightforward, moving from the name of the tool to describing anything resembling its shaggy appearance, like hair, and to the action performed with it.
Analysis
This word is a simplex form. It likely originated as an onomatopoeic or expressive formation in late Middle English, imitating the sound or motion of wiping or cleaning.
Examples
She filled the bucket with soapy water and began to mop the kitchen floor.
After the workout, he used a small towel to mop the sweat from his brow.
The puppy had a comical mop of curly fur that covered its eyes.