the compound adjective 'tank-like' is a modern english formation, following a productive pattern for creating descriptive terms. the first element, 'tank', entered the language in the early 20th century as a deliberate code name for the new armored combat vehicle, its mundane meaning helping to conceal the project's nature. the second element, 'like', descends from the old english suffix '-līc', related to the noun 'līc' meaning 'body' or 'form', and is cognate with german '-lich'. when combined, these morphemes create a direct, analogical meaning: possessing the form or qualities of a tank, such as heavy armor, formidable power, or a bulky, imposing appearance. this logical construction allows for immediate comprehension based on the familiar noun and a highly common adjectival suffix.

Structure: tank (armored vehicle) + like (resembling) - tank: origin: english (20th century). role: root noun, the object of comparison. derived from its use as a code word during the development of the first armored fighting vehicles in world war i. - like: origin: old english (līc). role: suffix, forming adjectives with the sense 'having the characteristics of; similar to'.