wind-powered
Meaning
using the power of the wind to generate energy or operate machinery.
Structure
Usage
the small island community relies entirely on wind-powered turbines for its electricity.
we sailed across the bay in a traditional, wind-powered vessel.
the company is investing heavily in new, more efficient wind-powered generators.
Etymology
The compound adjective "wind-powered" is a modern formation built from two ancient roots. "wind" descends from the Proto-Indo-European h₂wéh₁n̥ts, which evolved into the Germanic windaz and Old English 'wind', retaining its core meaning of moving air. "power" traces to Latin 'potis' ("able") via Old French, entering English with the sense of ability or force. The suffix "-ed" is an Old English adjectival formative. The logic of the word is transparently literal: it describes a machine or system "provided with" or "characterized by" the "power" derived from the "wind," directly linking the natural phenomenon to its modern technological application in generating energy.
Analysis
- wind: from old english 'wind', of germanic origin; from an indo-european root shared by latin 'ventus'. functions as a noun root meaning "air in motion." - power: from anglo-norman french 'poer', variant of old french 'pouoir', based on latin 'posse' meaning "to be able." functions as a noun root meaning "ability, strength, energy." - ed: from old english '-ed', '-od', '-ad', forming adjectives from nouns. functions as a suffix meaning "having, provided with, characterized by."