ell

¹

or el

[ el ]

noun

1. an extension usually at right angles to one end of a building.
2. elbow ( def 5 ).
3. something that is L -shaped.

ell

²

[ el ]

noun

1. a former measure of length, varying in different countries: in England equal to 45 inches (114 centimeters).

ell

¹

/ ɛl /

noun

1. an obsolete unit of length equal to approximately 45 inches

ell

²

/ ɛl /

noun

1. an extension to a building, usually at right angles and located at one end
2. a pipe fitting, pipe, or tube with a sharp right-angle bend

Word History and Origins

Origin of ell¹

First recorded in 1765–75; a spelling of the letter name, or by shortening of elbow

Origin of ell²

First recorded before 950; Middle English, Old English eln; cognate with Old Norse eln, Old High German elina, Gothic aleina, Latin ulna, Greek ōlénē. See elbow

Word History and Origins

Origin of ell¹

Old English eln the forearm (the measure originally being from the elbow to the fingertips); related to Old High German elina, Latin ulna, Greek ōlenē

Origin of ell²

C20: a spelling of L, indicating a right angle

Example Sentences

"The problem right now is that large recipients of those goods including Europe and the US are increasingly reluctant to receive them," said Katrina Ell, research director at Moody's Analytics.

From BBC

Current councillor Paul Ell - who was planning to run for mayor of the Shoalhaven City Council, in the state's south - is among those set to lose their position.

From BBC

Mr Ell said that the result of the vote gives Mr Musk "a very strong validation"

From BBC

Mr Ell disclosed that he has a small shareholding in Tesla, worth around £6,000.

From BBC

Lee’s current rating would be sixth highest in UW program history according to 247Sports, just behind Matt Tuiasosopo and before Sav’ell Smalls.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• arm
• branch
• circle
• faction
• group
• side
• unit