webmaster
Meaning
a person who is responsible for a particular website
Structure
Usage
The webmaster updated the site's security protocols.
If you encounter a technical error, please contact the webmaster.
She started her career as a webmaster for a small non-profit organization.
Etymology
The word 'webmaster' is a modern English compound, formed in the late 20th century with the rise of the internet. The first element, 'web', is a shortening of 'World Wide Web', the system of interlinked hypertext documents. The second element, 'master', derives from the Latin magister, meaning 'chief, head, director, teacher', which conveys a sense of authority and control. When combined, the term literally means 'one who is in charge of the web', logically evolving to denote the person responsible for the development, maintenance, and administration of a website.
Analysis
- web: English (Modern English), functional role: a compound element referring to the World Wide Web. - master: English (from Old English mægester, via Latin magister), functional role: a noun-forming element meaning a person in authority or control.