six-month-old
UK[ˌsɪks mʌnθ ˈəʊld]US[ˌsɪks mʌnθ ˈoʊld]
adj
being six months of age
n
a person or animal that is six months old
Morpheme Breakdown
six
month
old
six
month
old
Etymology
the compound "six-month-old" is a modern english formation built entirely from native germanic elements. the numeral "six" derives from proto-germanic sehs, maintaining its counting function. "month" originates from proto-germanic mēnōth-, directly tied to the cycles of the moon, which defined the calendar period. the adjective "old," from proto-germanic aldaz, completes the phrase by attributing the quality of age. when combined in this hyphenated pattern, these transparent morphemes create a concise descriptor for a precise developmental or age-related stage, showcasing english's capacity for logical compounding.
Analysis
Structure: six + month + old
- six: from old english 'siex', of germanic origin; a numeral.
- month: from old english 'mōnath', related to 'moon'; a noun denoting a unit of time.
- old: from old english 'eald', of germanic origin; an adjective describing age.
Examples
the six-month-old puppy was full of energy and curiosity.
they celebrated their six-month-old daughter's first half-birthday.
the study observed the behavioral patterns of six-month-olds.