recliner
UK[rɪˈklaɪnə(r)]US[rɪˈklaɪnər]
n
a comfortable armchair whose back can be adjusted to lean backwards, often with a part that can be extended to support the legs.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
clin
er
re
again, back
clin
to lean, bend
er
agent/instrument suffix
Etymology
the word "recliner" is built from the verb "recline," which entered english from latin reclinare, meaning "to bend back, lean back." this latin verb itself is a compound of the prefix re- ("back") and the verb clinare ("to lean"). the english suffix -er is then added to form an agent noun, denoting an object designed for the action of leaning back. thus, the literal sense of "a thing for leaning back" evolved into the modern, specific meaning of a type of adjustable chair that supports a reclining posture.
Analysis
Structure: re (again, back) + clin (to lean, bend) + er (agent/instrument suffix)
re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
clin: from latin clinare, meaning "to lean, bend, or incline".
er: from old english -ere, an agent or instrument suffix, indicating a person or thing that performs an action.
Examples
he fell asleep in his favorite recliner while watching television.
the new recliner in the living room has built-in massage functions.
she adjusted the recliner to a more upright position to read her book.