the word 'taxicab' is a compound formed from two shortened forms. 'taxi' is a clipping of 'taximeter', the device that calculates the fare based on distance and time, with its roots in the greek 'taxis' meaning 'arrangement' or later 'charge'. 'cab' is a clipping of 'cabriolet', a light, horse-drawn carriage hired for transport. the term emerged in the early 20th century when motorized vehicles equipped with taximeters began to replace horse-drawn cabs. thus, the word logically combines the concept of a metered fare ('taxi') with that of a hired vehicle ('cab').

Structure: taxi (taximeter) + cab (carriage) taxi: from french 'taximètre' (taximeter), ultimately from greek 'taxis' (arrangement, charge) via latin. functions as the core element denoting the metered fare system. cab: short for 'cabriolet', a type of horse-drawn carriage, from french. functions as the element denoting the vehicle.