Arabic · prefix
al-
the
Forms
- al-
- el- — Reflects regional pronunciation or a different transliteration of the Arabic article.
- a- — In some borrowed forms, the l is absorbed into the following consonant, reflecting Arabic pronunciation.
Origin
Arabic al-, the definite article; its deeper Semitic ancestry is disputed.
Note
English often borrowed the article as part of the word, even though Arabic treats it as a separate grammatical element.
Words sharing this root
albacoreA tuna valued for its pale meat.alchemistA practitioner seeking extraordinary transformations through alchemy.alchemyAn early practice seeking transformation of metals and discoveries such as eternal life.alcoholAn organic compound with a hydroxyl group attached to saturated carbon.alcoveA small recessed area opening from a larger room or space.alembicA vessel used to distill liquids.algebraA branch of mathematics that uses symbols and rules to study quantities and relationships.alkaliA substance that dissolves in water to form a basic solution that neutralizes acids.azimuthThe angle of a direction measured horizontally from a reference direction, usually north.elixirA liquid believed or used to heal or restore vitality.luteA plucked stringed instrument with a rounded body.