The compound adjective 'sun-baked' is a transparent combination of two ancient Germanic roots. 'Sun', the celestial body, has been the primary term for our star since Old English. 'Baked' derives from the process of cooking by dry heat, especially in an oven. When combined, the term creates a vivid metaphorical image, directly transferring the action of an oven's heat to the natural, pervasive heat of sunlight. It describes objects or landscapes that appear as if they have been literally cooked and desiccated by the sun's relentless rays, evolving from a literal description to also convey a sense of arid, harsh climate.

Structure: sun (the star) + baked (cooked by dry heat) 'Sun' originates from Old English sunne, of Germanic origin. 'Baked' is the past participle of 'bake', from Old English bacan, also of Germanic origin.