layer | Search Online Etymology Dictionary

59 entries found.

1832, in gardening, as a method of plant propagation, from layer (n.). Meaning "to form into layers" is from 1852. Related: Layered; layering.

layer (n.)

late 14c., "one who or that lays" (especially stones, "a mason"), agent noun from lay (v.). Passive sense of "a thickness of some material laid over a surface" is first recorded 1610s, but because the earliest English use was in cookery this is perhaps from French liue "binding," used of a thickened sauce. Of hens from 1707. Layer cake attested from 1875.

bricklayer (n.)

also brick-layer, "one who builds with bricks," late 15c., from brick (n.) + layer in the original sense. Related: Bricklaying.

multilayer (adj.)

also multi-layer, "composed of or occurring in many layers," 1907, from multi- "many" + layer (n.). Related: Multi-layered (1895).

lair (n.)

Old English leger "act or place of lying down; bed, couch; illness; the grave," from Proto-Germanic *legraz (source also of Old Norse legr "the grave," also "nuptials" (both "a lying down"); Old Frisian leger "situation," Old Saxon legar "bed," Middle Dutch legher "act or place of lying down," Dutch leger "bed, camp," Old High German legar "bed, a lying down," German Lager "bed, lair, camp, storehouse," Gothic ligrs "place of lying"), from PIE root *legh- "to lie down, lay." Meaning "animal's den" is from early 15c. Essentially the same word as layer (n.), but more ancient and differentiated in sense.

primer (n.3)

"first layer of dye or paint," 1680s, agent noun from prime (v.).

coating (n.)

"a layer of some substance spread over a surface," 1768, verbal noun from coat (v.).

laminate (n.)

"artificial thin layer," 1939, especially a type of plastic adhesive; see laminate (v.).

multi-ply (adj.)

"having several layers or webs," 1887, from multi- "many" + ply (n.) "a layer, a fold."

overstuffed (adj.)

also over-stuffed, of furniture, "completely covered with a thick layer of stuffing," 1883, from over- + past participle of stuff (v.).

Trending words