shoelace
UK[ˈʃuːleɪs]US[ˈʃuːleɪs]
n
a long, thin piece of material like string or leather that is used to fasten a shoe by passing it through holes and tying it.
Morpheme Breakdown
shoe
lace
shoe
lace
noose, snare
Etymology
the word 'shoelace' is a transparent compound formed from two old english and old french elements. 'shoe' originates from the old english 'scōh', a common germanic term for foot-covering. 'lace' entered english via old french 'las', tracing back to the latin 'laqueus', meaning a noose or snare, which evolved to signify a cord for tying. the compound logically combines these elements to denote the specific cord used to fasten a shoe, a meaning that has remained consistent since its formation in the late 16th century.
Analysis
Structure: shoe + lace
shoe: from old english 'scōh', meaning a covering for the foot. functional role: root, indicating the object the item is associated with.
lace: from old french 'las', from latin 'laqueus' meaning 'noose, snare'. functional role: root, indicating a cord or string used for fastening.
Examples
one of his shoelaces came undone while he was running.
she bought a new pair of brightly colored shoelaces for her sneakers.
tying a double knot will prevent your shoelace from coming loose.