reseal
UK[ˌriːˈsiːl]US[ˌriːˈsiːl]
v
To seal something again, especially to close it tightly after it has been opened.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
seal
re
again
seal
close tightly
Etymology
The word "reseal" is a modern English formation built upon the existing verb "seal". The base "seal" traces back to the Latin sigillum, meaning a small engraved figure used to authenticate documents, which evolved to mean the act of fastening or closing. The prefix "re-", of Latin origin and meaning "again", is one of the most productive prefixes in English for indicating repetition. Therefore, "reseal" logically and transparently means to perform the action of sealing once more, a concept directly constructed from its constituent parts in the early modern period.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + seal (close tightly)
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- seal: Old French origin (from seel), ultimately from Latin sigillum meaning "a small mark, seal". In this word, it functions as the base verb meaning "to close tightly or fasten".
Examples
Please reseal the bag after taking out the ingredients to keep them fresh.
The contractor had to reseal the windows to prevent any drafts.
Many food packages are designed to be easily resealed.