power-supply

The compound "power-supply" is a modern technical term formed from two English words of distinct origins. "Power" traces back to the Latin concept of ability or potency (posse), evolving through French to denote force or energy. "Supply" originates from the Latin supplēre, meaning to fill up or make complete. When combined in the 20th century, the term logically describes a system that "fills up" or provides the necessary electrical energy, thereby enabling the operation of another device. The evolution reflects a shift from abstract concepts of capability and fulfillment to a specific, functional application in electrical engineering and electronics.

Structure: power (energy) + supply (provide) - power: From Middle English pouer, poer, from Anglo-Norman poer, pouer, from Vulgar Latin potēre, from Latin posse ("to be able"). In this compound, it functions as the object or resource being provided. - supply: From Middle English supplien, from Old French soupleer, souploier, from Latin supplēre ("to fill up, complete"), from sub- ("up from below") + plēre ("to fill"). In this compound, it functions as the action or means of providing.