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

McNeary was arrested in the ells Fargo bank shortly after the final hostage left the building.

From Seattle Times

Now I feel as if I’m in a cave many ells below ground and only echoes reach me.

From Washington Post

The Wadsworth brothers say the oldest surviving part of the house — a rear ell — probably dates to 1680 and may be the site of an earlier, perhaps thatched roof house.

From Seattle Times

But this will be the first time I’ve taken one of the 'ell on your ’ouse.”

From Literature

Border officials say all ell eight people would be transferred to ICE custody following criminal procedures.

From Washington Times

Related Words

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