l

L < ancient greek Λ, λάμδα | lamdha < semitic lamed (= goad).

label < middle english label < old french la(m)bel / labeau (= ribbon, fringe) < frankish *labba / old high german lappa (= flap) < proto-germanic *lapp-.

labor < middle english labor < old french labor (= toil, work, task) < latin labor (= toil, exertion, hardship, work).

labyrinth < middle english laberynthe < latin labyrinthus < ancient greek λαβύρινθος | labhyrinthos (= maze, large building with intricate passages).

lace < middle english laz < old french laz (= net, noose, string, cord, snare) < vulgar latin *lacium < latin laqueus (= a noose, snare).

ladder < old english hlæder (= ladder, steps) < proto-germanic *hlaidri < I.E. *klei- (= to lean).

lady < middle english lafdi / lavede < old english hlæfdige (= one who kneads bread, mistress of a household, wife of a lord) < hlaf (= bread, loaf) + -dige (= maid) [cf. lord].

lager < american english lager < a shortening of lager [beer] < german Lagerbier (= beer brewed for keeping) < Lager (= storehouse) + Bier (= beer).

lagoon < lagune < laguna < french lagune < italian laguna (= pond, lake) < latin lacuna (= pond, hole) < lacus (= pond) < I.E. *laku- (= lake, sea).

lake < middle english lake < old french lack < latin lacus (= pond, lake) < I.E. *laku- (= lake, sea).

lamb < old english lamb / lemb / lomb (= lamb) < proto-germanic *lambaz.

laminate < latin lamina (= thin slice, plate, leaf).

lamp < middle english lamp < old french lampe < latin lampas (= light, torch) < ancient greek λαμπάς | lampas (= torch, oil-lamp) < λάμπω | lampō (= to shine) < I.E. *lap- (= to light, burn).

Lancelot < old french Lancelot < a diminutive of frankish Lanzo.

land < old english land / lond (= ground, soil, region, territory) < proto-germanic *landja- {> middle dutch land, gothic land, german Land} < (?) I.E. *lendh-₍₂₎ (= land, heath) {> old irish land, french lande, czech lada, old church slavonic ledina}.

landau < 1. german Landau, a town in Bavaria [where this kind of carriage was first made] or 2. spanish lando, a kind of carriage < arabic al-andul.

landscape < dutch landschap < middle dutch landscap (= region) < land (= land) (< proto-germanic *landja-) + -scap (= -ship, condition).

lane < old english lane / lanu (= narrow hedged-in road) < germanic source.

language < middle english langage < old french langage < vulgar latin *linguaticum < latin lingua (= tongue, speech, language) < I.E. *dnghu- (= tongue).

lantern < middle english lantern < old french lanterne < latin lanterna (= lantern, lamp, torch) [by influence of lucerna (= lamp)] < ancient greek λαμπτήρ | lamptēr (= torch, beacon fire) < λάμπω | lampō (= to shine) < I.E. *lap- (= to light, burn).

Laos < laotian Lao, a legendary founder of this country.

lap < old english læppa (= skirt of a garment) [with the sense of that the lower part of a skirt reaches the upper legs of seated person] < proto-germanic *lapp-.

laparoscopy < ancient greek λαπάρα | lapara (= flank, loins) (< λαπαρός | laparos (= soft, loose) + σκοπώ | skopō (= watch, examine).

lapideous < latin lapideus (= stony) < lapis [gen. lapidis] (= stone, pebble) < proto-italic *laped-.

lapis lazuli < middle english lapis lazuli < middle latin lapis lazuli (= stone of azure) < latin lapis (= stone, peddle) + medieval latin lazulum [gen. lazuli] / lazur(i) (< persian lazaward (= the stone lapis lazuli) < Lajward, a place in Turkestan [where this stone was collected]).

lapse < middle english lapse < middle french laps < latin lapsus (= a landslide, a falling into error) < labor [inf. labi] (= to slide, sink, fall).

lap-top < [1983] lap (= the upper leg) (q.v.) + top [on model of desktop].

large < middle english large < old french large < latin largus (= abundant, plentiful).

Larry < Lawrence < old french Lorenz < latin Laurentius (= of Laurentum) < Laurentum, a Roman town < laurus (= laurel tree).

larva < larve < latin larva < larua (= ghost, evil spirit, mask).

larynx < middle french larynx < latin larynx < ancient greek λάρυγξ | larygx (= the upper windpipe) < (?) a compound of λαιμός | laemos (= throat) + φάρυγξ | pharygx (= throat, windpipe)

lasagna < italian lasagna < vulgar latin *lasania < latin lasanum (= a cooking pot) < ancient greek λάσανον | lasanon (= pot with feet, trivet).

laser < an acronym of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation [(1960), on model of maser].

lassie < scottish lassie (= small girl, young girl), a diminutive of lass (= young woman, girl) < (?) scandinavian source.

lasso < american english lasso < spanish lazo (= snare, slipknot) < latin laqueus (= noose, snare).

last (= final) < middle english last < old english latost (= latest), superlative of læt (= slow, slack) < proto-germanic *lata-.

last (= eldure) < old english læstan (= continue, endure, follow) < proto-germanic *laistjan (= follow a track).

late < old english læt (= slow, slack) < proto-germanic *lata-.

lateral < middle english lateral < old french latéral < latin lateralis (= belonging to the side) < latus [gen. lateris] (= the side, flank, lateral surface).

latex < latin latex (= liquid, fluid) < (?) ancient greek λάταξ | latax (= dregs).

lather < old english leaþr (= foam, soap) < proto-germanic *lauthran.

Latin < old english Latin < latin Latinus (= belonging to Latium, Roman, in latin) < Latium, the region of Italy around Rome.

latitude < middle english latitude < old french latitude < latin latitudo (= breadth, width, size) < latus (= wide, broad, extensive).

lattice < middle english lattice < old french latiz (= lattice) < late (= lath, board, plank) < germanic source.

laud < middle english laud < old french lauder (= to praise, extol) < latin laudo [inf. laudare] (= to praise, commend, honor) < laus [gen. laudis] (= praise, fame, glory).

laugh < middle english laugh < old english hlæhhan < hli(e)hhan (= to laugh, rejoice) < proto-germanic *klakhjan {> old norse hlæja, dutch lachen, german lichen} < I.E. *kleg-.

launch < middle english launch < old french lancher / lancier (= to fling, hurl, throw) < late latin lanceo [inf. lanceare] (= wield a lance) < latin lancea (= light spear).

laundry < middle english laundry < lavendrie < old french lavanderie (= wash-house) < vulgar latin *lavandaria, plural of lavandarium (= that to be washed) < latin lavo [inf. lavare] (= to wash).

Laura < italian Laura < latin Laurentia, female of Laurentius (= of Laurentum) < Laurentum, a Roman town < laurus (= laurel tree).

Laurence < old french Lorenz < latin Laurentius (= of Laurentum) < Laurentum, a Roman town < laurus (= laurel tree).

lava < italian lava (= torrent, stream) < 1. latin lavo [inf. lavare] (= to wash) or 2. latin labes (= a fall) < labor [inf. labi] (= to fall, slip).

lavation < latin lavatio (= a bathing, bath) < lavo [inf. lavare] (= to wash).

law < old english lagu (= ordinance, regulation, right) < old norse *lagu (= law), plural of lag (= layer, measure, stroke) < proto-germanic *lagam (= put, lay) < I.E. *legh- (= to lie down, lay).

lay < old english lecgan (= to place on the ground, put down) < proto-germanic *lagojanan < I.E. *legh- (= to lie down, lay).

lazaretto < italian lazareto [a building, in Venetia, set apart for quarantine, an old policy for ships from plague-stricken countries to wait off its port for 40 days, to protect its people from contagious diseases] < Lazarus [(?) by influence of a hospital associated with the church of Santa Maria di Nazaret] < late latin Lazarus < ancient greek Λάζαρος | Lazaros < hebrew El’azar (= God has helped him).

Lazarus < late latin Lazarus < ancient greek Λάζαρος | Lazaros < hebrew El’azar (= God has helped him).

lazy < laysy (= averse to action or effort) < (?) germanic origin.

LCD < [1973] an acronym of Liquid Crystal Display [1968].

leach < (?) old english leccan (= to moisten, water, wet).

lead < old english lædan (= march at the head of, go before as a guide) < liðan (= to travel) < proto-germanic *laidjanan < I.E. *leit-₍₂₎ (= go forth).

leaf < old english leaf (= leaf, foliage, sheet, page) < proto-germanic *lauba- {> old norse lauf, dutch loof, german Laub} < (?) I.E. *leub(h)- (= peel off, break off).

league < middle english ligg < middle french ligue (= confederacy, league) < italian lega < legare (= to tie, to bind) < latin ligo [inf. ligare] (= to bind).

leak < middle english leak < [1. middle dutch leken (= to drip, leak) or 2. old norse leka] < proto-germanic *lek- (= deficiency).

lean (= recline) < middle english lean < old english hlinian (= to recline, lie down, rest) < proto-germanic *hlinen < I.E. *klei- (= to lean).

lean (= thin) < middle english lean < old english hlæne (= thin) < (?) hlænan (= cause to bend) < proto-germanic *khlainijan.

leap < middle english leap < old english hleapan (= to jump, run, go) < proto-germanic *hlaupanan.

learn < old english leornian (= get knowledge, study, read) < proto-germanic *lisnojanan {> dutch leren, german lernen} < I.E. *lois- (= furrow, track).

lease < middle english lease (= take a lease) < anglo-french lesser / old french laissier (= to let, leave) < latin laxo [inf. laxare] (= loosen, open) < laxus (= loose).

least < old english læst < læsest (= smallest, lowest), superlative of little < proto-germanic [superlative] *laisista- < I.E. *leis-₍₂₎ (= small).

leather < old english leðer < proto-germanic *lethran {> old norse leðr, dutch leder, german Leder} < I.E. *letro- (= leather).

leave < old english læfan (= let remain, allow to survive) < proto-germanic *laibjanan.

Lebanon < semitic ləbn (= white) [(?) in reference to snow-capped top of mountain Lebanon or to its limestone cliffs].

lecture < middle english lecture < medieval latin lectura (= a reading) < latin lectus, past participle of lego [inf. legere] (= collect, read) < I.E. *leg-₍₁₎ (= collect, gather).

LED < an acronym of Light-Emitting Diode [1968].

lee < middle english le / leoh < old english hleo (= shelter, protection) < proto-germanic *khlewaz.

leech < old english læce (= leech) < (?) old danish læke < proto-germanic *lekjaz (= enchanter, healer).

left < middle english left < old english *lyft (= weak, foolish).

leg < middle english leg < (?) old norse leggr (= leg) < proto-germanic *lagjaz.

legal < middle english legal < old french légal < latin legalis (= pertaining to the law) < lex [gen. legis] (= principle, rule, law).

legend < middle english legal < old french legende < medieval latin legenda (= legend, story) < latin legendus, gerundive of lego [inf. legere] (= select, read) < I.E. *leg-₍₁₎ (= collect, gather).

legion < middle english legion < old french légion < latin legio (= Roman legion) < lego [inf. legere] (= select, read) < I.E. *leg-₍₁₎ (= collect, gather).

legionnaire < french légionnaire < légion < latin legio (= Roman legion) < lego [inf. legere] (= select, read) < I.E. *leg-₍₁₎ (= collect, gather).

leisure < middle english leisir < old french leisir, variant of loisir (= capacity, ability, freedom) < leisir (= be permitted) < latin licet [inf. licere] (= it is allowed).

lemma < ancient greek λήμμα | lēmma (= something taken, argument) < *λήπ-μα | lēp-ma < stem λήπ- | lēp- of λήψομαι | lēpsomae, future tense of λαμβάνω | lambhanō (= take).

lemon < middle english lymon < old french limon < italian limone < arabic laimun < persian limun (= citrus fruit, lime).

length < old english lengðu (= distance along a line) < proto-germanic *langitho < *langaz (= long) + [suffix] *-itho.

Lent < middle english Lent < Lenten (= the forty days of fasting before Easter) < old english lencten (= spring, the fast of Lent) < west germanic *langitinaz (= long-days) < (?) *langaz (= long) + *tina- (= day).

Leo < latin leo (= lion) < ancient greek λέων | leōn (= lion).

Leonard < french Léonard / old french Leonard < german Leonhard < old high german *Lewenhart < lewo (< latin leo < ancient greek λέων | leōn (= lion)) + hart (= hard).

leopard < middle english leopard < old french lebard / leupart < late latin leopardus < ancient greek λεόπαρδος | leopardhos < λέων | leōn (= lion) + πάρδος | pardhos (= panther).

Leopold < french Léopold < old high german Leutpald / Liutbald < leudi / liut (= people) + bald (= bold).

less < old english læs < læssa (= less, smaller, fewer) < proto-germanic *laisizan < I.E. *leis-₍₂₎ (= small) + [comparative suffix] -izan.

lesson < middle english lesson < old french leçon < latin lectio (= a reading) < lego [inf. legere] (= select, read) < I.E. *leg-₍₁₎ (= collect, gather).

let < old english lætan (= allow, depart from, rent) < proto-germanic *letan {> dutch laten, german lassen} < I.E. *led- < *‌‌lē- (= let go, slacken).

lethal < late latin lethalis < latin letalis (= deadly, fatal) < let(h)um (= death).

Letitia < latin laetitia (= joy, gladness, pleasure) < laetus (= glad, happy).

letter < middle english letter < old french letre (= character, letter, note) < latin lit(t)era (= letter, epistle, writing, document).

lettuce < middle english letuse < (?) old french laitues, plural of laitue (= lettuce) < latin lactuca (= lettuce) < lac [gen. lactis] (= milk) [because this plant has a milky juice] < I.E. *g(a)lag- (= milk).

Levant < middle english Levant < middle french levant (= the Orient) < levant, present participle of lever (= to rise) [because this region is in the direction of sunrise] < latin levo [inf. levare] (= to raise).

level < middle english level < old french livel (= a level) < latin libella (= a balance, level), a diminutive of libra (= balance, scale, unit of weight < proto-italic *leithra- (= pound).

Levi < hebrew lewi (= joining, pledging, attached) < lawah (= he joined).

Lewis < anglo-french Lewis < french Louis < old french Loois < (?) medieval latin Ludovicus < old high german Hlud(o)wig (= famous in war) < proto-germanic *hluda- (= heard of, famous) + *wiga (= war).

lexicon < middle french lexicon / modern latin lexicon < ancient greek λεξικόν [βιβλίον] | lexikon [bhibhlion] (= word [book]) < λεξικόν, neuter of λεξικός | lexikos (= pertaining to words) < λέξις | lexis (= word) < λέγω | leghō (= speak) < I.E. *leg-₍₁₎ (= collect, gather, speak).

Lhasa < tibetan Lhasa (= city of the gods) < lha (= god) + sa (= city).

libel < middle english libel < old french libelle (= small book, written report) < latin libellus (= little book), a diminutive of liber (= book).

liberal < middle english liberal < old french liberal < latin liberalis (= of freedom, noble, gracious) < liber (= free).

Liberia < latin liber (= free) [the country was a resettlement of freed American slaves from 1822].

liberty < middle english liberty < old french liberte < latin libertas (= freedom) < liber (= free).

libido < latin libido / lubido (= desire, eagerness, lust) < libero [inf. libere] (= be pleasing, to please) < I.E. *leubh- (= to care, desire, love).

Libra < latin libra (= a balance, pair of scales, pound) < proto-italic *leithra- (= pound).

library < middle english library < anglo-french librarie / old french libra(i)rie < medieval latin libraria (= library) < latin librarius (= concerning books) < librarium (= chest for books) < liber [gen. libri] (= book, paper).

licence < middle english licence < old french licence < latin licentia (= freedom, liberty, presumption) < licens, present participle of licet [inf. licere] (= it is allowed).

lick < old english liccian (= lap, lick up) < proto-germanic *likkon < I.E. *leigh- (= to lick).

lie (= speak falsely) < middle english lie < old english legan / ligan < leogan (= deceive, belie, betray) < proto-germanic *leuganan.

lie (= rest horizontally) < middle english lie < old english licgan (= be situated, be at rest, lie down) < proto-germanic *legjan < I.E. *legh- (= lie down, lay).

Liechtenstein < german Liechtenstein < Liechten (= light, not heavy) + stein (= stone).

liege < middle english liege < anglo-french lige / old french lige (= liege-lord) < (?) late latin laeticus (= cultivated by serfs) < laetus (= serf, semi-free colonist) < (?) proto-germanic *lethigaz (= freed).

lieutenant < middle english lieutenant < old french lieu tenant (= substitute, deputy) < lieu (= place) + tenant, present participle of tenir (= hold).

life < old english life < proto-germanic *leiban (= continuance, perseverance) {> old norse lif, dutch lijf (= body), german Leib (= body)} < I.E. *leip- (= to stick, adhere).

lift < middle english lift (= elevate, exalt, raise) < old norse lypta (= to raise) < proto-germanic *luftijan (= to move up into the air).

light (= brightness) < old english le(o)ht (= light, daylight) < proto-germanic *leukhtam {> dutch licht, gothic liuhaþ, old high german lioht, german Licht} < I.E. *leuk- (= light, brightness).

light (= not heavy) < old english le(o)ht (= not heavy, quick, agile) < proto-germanic *lingkhtaz {> old norse lettr, swedish lätt, middle dutch licht, gothic leihts, german leicht} < I.E. *legwh- (= light, not heavy).

like (= love, be pleasing) < old english lician (= to please, be pleasing, be sufficient) < proto-germanic *likjan < *lik- (= body, form, same).

like (= same) < middle english lik < y-lik < old english gelic (= similar) < proto-germanic *(ga)leika- (= having the same form) < [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + *lik- (= body, form, same).

lilac < french lilac / spanish lilac < turkish leylak.

lily < old english lilie < latin lilia, plural of lilium (= lily).

Lima < spanish Lima < quechua (of Inca) Rimak, a god < rima (= speak).

lime < (?) spanish lima / portuguese limão < arabic lima < persian limun (= citrus fruit, lime).

limit < middle english limit < old french limite (= boundary) < latin limes [gen. limitis] (= boundary, limit, border).

limousine < french limousine < Limousin, region in France < latin Lemovices, a nation.

Lincoln < Lincolnshire < old english Lindcylene < latin Lindum Colonia < british *lindo (= pool, lake) + latin colonia (= settled land, colony) (< colonus (= tenant farmer, settler in new land) < colo [inf. colere] (= cultivate, inhabit)).

line < middle english line < a merge of [old english line (= cable, rope, series, row) + old french ligne (= guideline, cord, string)] < latin linea (= linen thread, string, mark, limit) < linea [restis] (= linen [cord]) < linea, female of lineus (= of linen) < linum (= linen).

linen < middle english linen (= made of flax) < old english līn (= flax, linen thread, linen cloth) < proto-germanic *linam < (?) latin linum (= flax, linen).

lingerie < french lingerie (= linen shop, linen goods) < linger (= a dealer in linen goods) < old french linge (= linen) < latin lineus (= of linen) < linum (= flax, linen).

lingual < medieval latin lingualis (= of the tongue) < latin lingua (= tongue, speech, language) < old latin dingua < I.E. *dnghu- (= tongue).

link < middle english link (= ring or loop of a chain, section of a cord) < (?) old norse *hlenkr < proto-germanic *khlink- < I.E. *kleng- (= to bend, turn).

linoleum < latin linum (= flax, linen) + oleum (= olive oil) (< ancient greek έλαιον | elaeon (= olive oil) < ελαία | elaea (= olive tree, olive)).

linotype < american english Linotype [machine for stereotyped lines of type for printing (1886)] < line o’ type < line on type.

Linux < Linux [kernel] (1991) < finland Linus [Torvalds], engineer [creator of this computer operating system].

lion < middle english lion < old french lion < latin leo [gen. leonis] < ancient greek λέων | leōn (= lion).

Lionel < french Lionel < old french lionel (= young lion), a diminutive of lion < latin leo [gen. leonis] < ancient greek λέων | leōn (= lion).

lip < old english lippa (= lip) < proto-germanic *lepjan-.

liqueur < french liqueur < old french licor (= liquid) < latin liquor (= liquid, liquor, wine) < liquo [inf. liquere] (= be fluid, liquid).

liquid < middle english liquid < old french liquide (= liquid) < latin liquidus (= fluid, liquid, moist) < liquo [inf. liquere] (= be fluid, liquid).

lira < italian lira (= pound, monetary unit) < latin libra (= pound).

Lisbon < portuguese Lisboa < (?) phoenician origin.

list < middle english liste < old french liste (= border, row, strip of paper) / old italian lista (= border, strip of paper, list) < proto-germanic *liston < I.E. *leizd- (= border, band).

listen < old english hlysnan (= hear, attend to, obey) < proto-germanic *hlusinon {> dutch luisteren, old high german hlosen, german lauschen} < I.E. *kleu- (= hear).

literal < middle english literal < late latin lit(t)eralis (= of letters, of writing) < latin lit(t)era (= letter, epistle, writing, literature).

lithium < modern latin lithium < ancient greek λίθος | lithos (= stone).

lithography < german Lithographie [ink-impression printing from stone surface (1813)] < ancient greek λίθος | lithos (= stone) + -γραφία | -ghraphia (= a writing) (< γράφω | ghraphō (= write, draw)).

Lithuania < lithuanian Lietuva < (?) related to latin litus (= shore).

little < old english lytel (= not much, small, short) < proto-germanic *lutilla- {> dutch luttel, old high german luzzil, german lützel} < (?) a diminutive of old english lyt (= little, few) < I.E. *leud- (= small).

liturgy < Liturgy (= the service of the Holy Eucharist) < middle french liturgie < late latin / medieval latin liturgia (= public service, public worship) < ancient greek λειτουργία | loetourghia (= public duty, ministry) < λειτουργώ, λη_ιτουργώ | leitourghō, lē_itourghō (= work as public servant) < λήιον | lēion (= public hall) (< λαός | laos (= people)) + έργον | erghon (= work).

live (= be alive) < middle english live < old english libban / lifian (= be alive, have life) < proto-germanic *libejanan {> old norse lifa, gothic liban, german leben} < I.E. *leip- (= to stick, adhere).

live (= not dead) < a shortening of middle english alive < old english on life (= in living) < a- (= on, in) + lif (= life) (< proto-germanic *leiban < I.E. *leip- (= to stick, adhere)).

liver < old english lifer < proto-germanic *librn < (?) I.E. *leip- (= to stick, adhere).

Liverpool < middle english Liuerpul < old english lifer (= thick, clotted water) + pol (= pool).

lizard < middle english lusarde < anglo-french lusard / old french laisarde < latin lacertus (= lizard).

Lloyd < welsh Llwyd (= gray) < I.E. *pel-₍₁₎ (= pale).

load < middle english lade / lode (= burden) < old english lad (= way, course, a carrying, support) < proto-germanic *laitho < I.E. *leit-₍₂₎ (= to go forth).

loaf < middle english loaf < old english hlaf < proto-germanic *khlaibuz (= bread) {> old norse hleifr, swedish lev, gothic hlaifs, old high german hleib, german Laib}.

loan < middle english loan < old norse lan (= loan) < proto-germanic *laikhwniz.

lobby < medieval latin laubia / lobia (= covered walk in a monastery) < germanic source.

lobster < middle english lop(i)ster < old english loppestre (= lobster, locust) < latin locusta / lucusta (= locust, grasshopper).

local < middle english local < old french local < late latin localis (= pertaining to a place) < latin locus (= place).

location < latin locatio (= a placing) < loco [inf. locare] (= place, put, set) < locus (= a place).

lock < old english loc (= bolt, lid, barrier, enclosure) < proto-germanic *lukana- (= to close).

locomotive < french locomotif < latin loco, ablative of locus (= a place) + < medieval latin motivus (= moving) < latin motus, past participle of moveo [inf. movere] (= to move).

lodge < middle english logge (= small building) < old french loge (= arbor, hut, cabin) < frankish *laubja (= shelter) < proto-germanic *laubja- (= shelter).

loft < middle english loft < old english loft (= sky) < old norse lopt (= air, sky, upper story) < proto-germanic *luftuz (= air, sky).

log (= large piece of tree) < middle english log.

log (= record of observations) < a shortening of log-book (= the daily record of a ship) < log (= large piece of tree) + book [a record of the ship’s speed by means of a weighted tree log on the end of a reeled log line marked by different numbers of knots].

logarithm < modern latin logarithmus (= ratio-number) [introduced by John Napier, Scottish mathematician] < ancient greek λόγος | loghos (= ratio, word) + αριθμός | arithmos (= number).

logic < middle english logike < old french logique < latin [ars] logica (= logic [art]) < ancient greek λογική [τέχνη] | loghikē [technē] (= reasoning [art]) < λογική, female of λογικός | loghikos (= of reasoning, logic, of speaking) < λόγος | loghos (= reason, idea, speech) < λέγω | leghō (= speak).

logo < a shortening of logogram (= word-sign) < λόγος | loghos (= word, speech) (< λέγω | leghō (= speak)) + γράμμα | ghramma (= letter) (< γράφω | ghraphō (= write, draw).

Lola < a diminutive of spanish Dolores < [Maria de los] Dolores (= [Mary of the] Sorrows) < dolores, plural of dolor (= sorrow) < latin dolor (= pain, sorrow).

Lolita < a diminutive of Lola (q.v.).

lollipop < lolly-pops < (?) 1. loll (= to dangle the tongue) + pop (= a strike, slap) or 2. lolly (=tongue) + pop (= a strike, slap).

London < latin Londinium.

lone < middle english lone < a shortening of alone < old english all ana (= all by oneself) < all + an (= one).

long < old english lang (= tall, lasting) < proto-germanic *langa- {> old norse langr, dutch lang, german lang} < (?) I.E. *dlonghos-.

look < old english locian (= gaze, look, behold) < west germanic *lokjan {> middle dutch loeken, old high german luogen, german lugen}.

loom < middle english loom < old english geloma (= utensil, tool).

loop < middle english loop (= a fold of cloth, rope, cord) < (?) celtic origin.

loose < middle english loos / lous / lowse (= unbound) < old norse lauss (= loose, free) < proto-germanic *lausaz.

lord < middle english lolaverd / loverd < old english hlaford (= master of a household, ruler, feudal lord, husband) < hlafweard (= one who guards the loaves) < hlaf (= bread, loaf) + weard (= keeper, guardian) [cf. lady].

Los Angeles < a shortening of its full name spanish [El pueblo de la Reyna de] los Angeles (= [The village of the Queen of] the Angels) < late latin angelus < ancient greek άγγελος | aⁿggelos (= messenger).

lose < old english losian (= be lost, perish) < los (= destruction, loss) < proto-germanic *lausa-.

loss < old english los (= destruction, loss) < proto-germanic *lausa-.

lost < middle english lost (= wasted, ruined, gone astray) < old english losian (= be lost, perish) < los (= destruction, loss) < proto-germanic *lausa-.

lot < old english hlot (= object for share, dice, straw, what falls by lot) < proto-germanic *khlutom.

lotion < middle english loscion < old french lotion < latin lotio (= a washing) < lotus / lautus < lavatus, past participle of lavo [inf. lavere] (= to wash).

lottery < italian lotteria < lotto (= lot, portion, share) < germanic source.

lotto < french loto < italian lotto (= lot, portion, share) < germanic source.

lotus < latin lotus < ancient greek λωτός | lōtos < (?) semitic origin.

loud < middle english loud < old english hlud (= noisy) < proto-germanic *hludaz (= heard) < I.E. *klutos- < *kleu- (= to hear).

Louis < french Louis < old french Loois < medieval latin Ludovicus < old high german Hlud(o)wig (= famous in war) < proto-germanic *hluda- (= heard of, famous) + *wiga (= war).

Louisiana < french Louisiana < Louis [XIV] [as a french colony named in honor of that king of France].

love < old english lufu (= feeling of love, affection, friendliness) < proto-germanic *lubo {> old norse lof, dutch lof, lief, german Liebe} < I.E. *leubh- (= to care, desire, love).

low < middle english low < lah (= being near the ground) < (?) old norse lagr (= low, short, humble) < proto-germanic *lega- (= lying flat, low) < I.E. *legh- (= to lie down, lay).

loyal < middle french loyal < old french loial / leal (= faithful, honorable, law-abiding) < latin legal (= of the law) < lex [gen. legis] (= principle, rule, law).

LP < [1948] an abbreviation of Long-Playing [for phonograph record].

Ltd. < [1900] an abbreviation of Limited (< middle english limit < old french limite (= boundary) < latin limes [gen. limitis] (= boundary, limit, border)).

lubricant < latin lubricans [gen. lubricantis], present participle of lubrico [inf. lubricare] (= make smooth, make slippery) < lubricus (= sliding, slippery).

lucent < middle english lucent < latin lucens [gen. lucentis], present participle of luceo [inf. lucere] (= to shine, glow) < lux [gen. lucis] (= light) < I.E. *leuk- (= light, brightness).

Lucia < italian Lucia < latin Lucia, female of Lucius < lux [gen. lucis] (= light) < I.E. *leuk- (= light, brightness).

Lucifer < old english Lucifer < latin Lucifer (= light-bringing, morning star) < lux [gen. lucis] (= light) + fero [inf. ferre] (= to carry, bear).

Lucille < french Lucille, a diminutive of latin Lucia, female of Lucius < lux [gen. lucis] (= light) < I.E. *leuk- (= light, brightness).

luck < cmiddle english luck (= fortune) < (?) middle dutch luc, a shortening of gheluc (= good fortune, happiness).

Lucy < french Lucie < latin Lucia, female of Lucius < lux [gen. lucis] (= light) < I.E. *leuk- (= light, brightness).

luddite < Luddite [organized weavers in England who had destroyed machinery, for fear it would deprive them of work (1811)] < (?) [Ned] Ludd, a worker who had smashed machines [1779].

Ludwig < old high german Hlud(o)wig (= famous in war) < proto-germanic *hluda- (= heard of, famous) + *wiga (= war).

luggage < lug (= pull slowly) < scandinavian source.

Luke < latin Lucas < Lucanus (= of Lucania) < Lucania, a district in Italy < Lucani [plural], a nation in Italy.

lullaby < middle english lollai / lullay < lullen (= to calm, hush to sleep) < (?) lu-lu, an imitative sound [for a child to sleep].

lumbago < late latin lumbago (= weakness of loins and lower back) < latin lumbus (= hip, loin).

lumen < latin lumen (= light) < I.E. *leuk- (= light, brightness).

luminous < latin luminosus (= shining) < lumen [gen. luminis] (= light) < I.E. *leuk- (= light, brightness).

lumpen < german Lumpen[proletariat] (= the rabble, poorest of the working class) < lump (= ragamuffin) + proletariat (< latin proletarius (= citizen of the lowest class) < proles [gen. proletis] (= offspring, progeny).

lunatic < middle english lunatic < old french lunatique (= insane) / late latin lunaticus (= moon-struck) < latin luna (= moon, goddess of the moon) < I.E. *leuksna- < *leuk- (= light, brightness).

lunch < a shortening of luncheon (= light repast between mealtimes) < (?) lunch (= hunk of bread or cheese) < (?) spanish lonja (= slice, loin) [by influence of nuncheon (= light mid-day meal) (< none (= noon) + schench (= drink))].

lung < middle english lung < old english lungen [plural] < proto-germanic *lunganjo- (= the light organ) < I.E. *legwh- (= light, not heavy)

lust < old english lust (= desire, appetite, pleasure) < proto-germanic *lustuz < I.E. *las- (= be eager, wanton).

lustrate < latin lustratus, past participle of lustro [inf. lustrare] (= purify ceremonially) < lustrum (= purification, purificatory sacrifice).

lute < middle english lute < old french lut / leut < old provençal laut < arabic al-‘ud (= lute) < al (= the) + ‘ud (= wood).

luxe < french luxe (= luxury, sumptuousness, profusion) < latin luxus (= excess, extravagance, magnificence).

Luxemb(o)urg < germanic lutilla (= little) + burg (= fort, castle).

Luxor < arabic al-uqsur, plural of al-qasr < al (= the) + latin castrum (= fort, castle).

luxury < middle english luxury < old french luxurie (= debauchery, dissoluteness, lust) < latin luxuria (= excess, extravagant living, delicacy) < luxus (= excess, extravagance, magnificence).

lyceum < latin lyceum < ancient greek λύκειον | lykοeon [a grove, with a temple of Apollo, in ancient Athens, where the philosopher Aristotle taught] < λύκειον, neuter of Λύκειος | Lykοeos, an epithet of god Apollo < λύκος | lykos (= wolf).

lynch < american-english Lynch [law] < [William] Lynch (1742-1820) in Pittsylvania or 2. [Charles] Lynch (1736-1796) in Virginia.

lynx < middle english lynx < latin lynx < ancient greek λυνγξ | lyngx.

lyre < middle english lyre < old french lire (= lyre) < latin lyra < ancient greek λύρα | lyra (= lyre).

lyric < middle french lyrique (= short poem expressing personal emotion) < latin lyricus (= of lyre) < ancient greek λυρικός | lyrikos (= singing to the lyre) < λύρα | lyra (= lyre).