shoulder
UK[ˈʃəʊldə(r)]US[ˈʃoʊldər]
n
the part of the body where an arm, foreleg, or wing is attached
n
a part of something resembling a shoulder in shape, position, or function, such as the edge of a road
v
to push something with one's shoulder
v
to accept a difficult or unpleasant responsibility or burden
Etymology
the word 'shoulder' originates from the old english 'sculdor,' a term of germanic origin. it is related to old frisian 'skuldere,' middle low german 'schuller,' and old high german 'scultra,' all pointing to a common germanic ancestor. while its ultimate proto-indo-european root is uncertain, it is often tentatively linked to roots meaning 'shield' or a part of the body that bears a burden, reflecting its functional role. the semantic evolution is straightforward, maintaining its core reference to the bodily joint while extending metaphorically to describe similar projecting parts and the act of bearing weight or responsibility.
Analysis
the modern english word 'shoulder' is a simplex word derived from a single old english root. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
he felt a sharp pain in his right shoulder.
the car pulled over onto the hard shoulder of the motorway.
she had to shoulder the blame for the team's failure.