The word 'unfurl' is a relatively modern English formation, emerging in the 17th century. It is built upon the verb 'furl', a nautical term for rolling up a sail, flag, or umbrella, which itself has roots in French and Dutch words for binding or tying. The Germanic prefix 'un-' is attached to indicate the reversal of this action. Thus, the literal morphemic logic is "to reverse the act of rolling up," which directly and vividly leads to its modern meaning of opening or spreading something out. The '-ed' suffix simply marks its standard past tense and participial form.

Structure: un (reversal) + furl (to roll) + ed (verb suffix) - un: A prefix of Germanic origin (Old English un-, on-), indicating reversal or deprivation. In this word, it signifies the act of reversing a state. - furl: A verb of uncertain origin, possibly from Old French ferlier "to tie up, fasten", influenced by Middle Dutch vorlinden. Its core sense is "to roll or wrap something tightly". - ed: A suffix of Germanic origin (Old English -ede, -ode, -ad), used to form the past tense and past participle of regular verbs.