pedicure
UK[ˈped.ɪ.kjʊər]US[ˈped.ɪ.kjʊr]
n
a treatment for the feet and toenails, including cutting and polishing the nails and softening the skin.
n
an instance of receiving such a treatment.
Morpheme Breakdown
ped
i
cure
ped
foot
i
cure
care
Etymology
the word 'pedicure' is a modern formation, entering english in the 19th century from french. it is a compound of two latin roots: 'ped-' meaning 'foot' and 'cura' meaning 'care'. the literal construction 'foot-care' directly and logically describes the modern professional treatment. while 'cura' has a broad semantic field in latin encompassing concern, healing, and management, its combination with 'ped-' specifically narrows the focus to the grooming and maintenance of the feet, illustrating a clear path from classical components to a contemporary beauty and wellness term.
Analysis
Structure: ped (foot) + i + cure (care)
ped: from latin 'pes, ped-' meaning 'foot'. serves as the root indicating the object of the action.
i: a connecting vowel, often used in latin-derived words to join roots and suffixes.
cure: from latin 'cura' meaning 'care, attention'. serves as the root indicating the action or process.
Examples
she booked a pedicure appointment before her beach vacation.
a regular pedicure can help keep your feet healthy and smooth.
the spa offers a luxury pedicure that includes a foot massage.