unclogged
unclogged
UK[ˌʌnˈklɒɡd]US[ˌʌnˈklɑːɡd]
verb (past tense, past participle)
to remove a blockage from something, allowing it to flow or function freely again
adj
having had a blockage removed; free from obstruction
Morpheme Breakdown
un
clog
ed
un
reverse action
clog
block
ed
past/participle suffix
Etymology
the word "unclogged" is a modern english formation built upon the verb "clog". the root "clog" originates from middle english, where it referred to a block of wood, evolving to mean "to obstruct". the prefix "un-", a prolific english element from old english, is attached to verbs to denote reversal, creating the sense "to remove an obstruction". the suffix "-ed" then adapts the word to indicate a completed action or resultant state. this transparent morphological construction follows a common english pattern where a germanic prefix and suffix modify a core anglo-saxon root to create a precise, literal meaning.
Analysis
Structure: un (reverse action) + clog (block) + ed (past/participle suffix)
- un: a prefix of english origin, from old english "un-", meaning "not" or "reverse of an action". in this word, it indicates reversal.
- clog: a morpheme of english origin, likely from middle english "clogge" meaning "lump of wood" or "block". it functions as the core root meaning "to block".
- ed: a suffix of english origin, from old english "-ed", "-ad", "-od". it marks the past tense or past participle form of a verb.
Examples
i unclogged the kitchen sink with a plunger.
the drain is now completely unclogged and working properly.
regular maintenance helps keep the pipes unclogged.