spool
spool
UK[spuːl]US[spuːl]
n
a cylinder with a ridge at each end, around which thread, film, wire, etc., is wound
v
to wind or be wound onto a spool
v
(computing) to send data to a temporary storage area for later processing or output
Etymology
the word 'spool' entered middle english from middle dutch 'spoele', meaning a spool or reel. this dutch term is related to old high german 'spuola' and old norse 'spōl', all referring to a similar cylindrical object for winding. its ultimate origin is the proto-germanic 'spōlǭ', likely derived from the verb 'spinnaną' meaning 'to spin', which is also the source of the english word 'spin'. the semantic logic is direct: the object is named for its function in the spinning and winding process. from its original physical sense, the term was later adopted in computing to describe the temporary 'winding' or queuing of data for processing.
Analysis
the word 'spool' is a simplex word of germanic origin. it does not contain separable morphemes in its modern english form.
Examples
she carefully wound the silk thread onto the wooden spool.
remember to spool the fishing line tightly to prevent tangles.
the printer software will spool the large document before printing.