sampler
UK[ˈsɑːmplə]US[ˈsæmplər]
n
a piece of cloth or a collection of pieces of cloth with different stitches and patterns, used to show a person's skill in needlework.
n
a person or thing that collects, examines, or tests samples.
n
an electronic device or piece of software used to record and play back short sections of sound or music.
Morpheme Breakdown
sample
er
sample
example, model
er
Etymology
the word 'sampler' originates from the middle english 'sampler' or 'saumpler', which referred to a pattern or model to be copied, particularly in embroidery. it derives from the old french 'essamplaire', itself from the latin 'exemplarium', meaning 'a pattern, example, or model'. the latin root 'exemplum' (example) is formed from 'eximere' (to take out, select). the agent suffix '-er' was added in english, shifting the meaning from the model itself to the person who uses it or the object that collects samples. over time, its application broadened from needlework to any person or device that collects or tests representative portions.
Analysis
Structure: sample + er
sample (from middle english 'asaumple', old french 'essample', latin 'exemplum' meaning 'example, model') + er (from old english '-ere', agent noun suffix, indicating a person or thing that performs an action).
Examples
she stitched a beautiful floral design on her antique sampler.
the food sampler at the market offered tastes of various local cheeses.
the musician used a digital sampler to create the drum loop for the track.