the word "windless" is a straightforward compound formed within english from its germanic roots. the first element, "wind," descends from proto-germanic windaz, which in turn derives from the proto-indo-European root h₂wéh₁n̥ts, meaning "blowing" or "wind." the suffix "-less" originates from old english -lēas, meaning "devoid of" or "free from," itself from a germanic root signifying "loss." the literal combination, "devoid of wind," has remained semantically transparent from its old english formation to its modern use describing calm, still atmospheric conditions.

Structure: wind (air in motion) + less (without) wind (old english, noun, meaning "air in motion") + less (old english, suffix, meaning "without, lacking")