wrist
wrist
UK[rɪst]US[rɪst]
n
the part of the body where the hand joins the arm
n
the part of a piece of clothing that covers the wrist
Etymology
the word "wrist" originates from the old english noun "wrist," which referred to the wrist or the instep of the foot. this old english term is derived from the proto-germanic root wristiz, which is connected to the verb wreitaną, meaning "to twist" or "to turn." the semantic link is clear: the wrist is the joint that facilitates the twisting or turning motion of the hand. this ancient connection to a twisting action is preserved in the modern english word, which specifically denotes the flexible joint connecting the hand to the arm.
Analysis
this is a simplex word of old english origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
she sprained her wrist while playing tennis.
the watch was loose on his slender wrist.
the cuff of the jacket was frayed at the wrist.