re-export
UK[ˌriːˈɛkspɔːt]US[ˌriːˈɛkspɔːrt]
v
To export (goods) again, especially after they have been imported and possibly processed.
n
An act or instance of re-exporting goods.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
export
re
again
export
send out
Etymology
The word 'reexport' is a transparent compound formed within English. Its first element is the productive Latin-derived prefix 're-', which has been attached to verbs in English since Middle English to denote repetition or a return to a previous state. The second element, 'export', entered English in the late 15th century from Latin 'exportare', itself a combination of 'ex' (out) and 'portare' (to carry). The literal sense of "carry out" evolved specifically into the commercial meaning of sending domestically produced goods abroad. Therefore, 'reexport' logically builds upon this established term, precisely meaning to carry goods out again, typically after they have been imported into an intermediary country. This term reflects the practical realities of international transit and entrepôt trade.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + export (send out)
- re: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "again" or "back." It functions as an intensifier or indicator of repetition.
- export: A verb of Latin origin, from 'ex-' (out) + 'portare' (to carry). It functions as the core lexical root meaning to send goods to another country for sale.
Examples
The country imports crude oil only to reexport it as refined petroleum products.
Re-export of these controlled items requires a special license from the trade ministry.
The free port's main economic activity is the reexport of electronics to neighboring markets.