rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -er
English

-er

a person or thing that does something

Forms

  • -er
  • -r — Used after some bases ending in e.

Origin

Old English -ere, generally traced through Germanic to Latin -arius.

Note

It can name a tool as readily as a person. The comparison ending in taller has a different history.

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noun

leader

A short length of line connecting a fishing line to a hook or lure.

The angler ties a leader between the main line and the lure.

Etymology
leadEnglishto guide
+erEnglisha person or thing that does something

The word uses the idea of a leading or connecting segment. In fishing, the leader is the terminal piece linking the main line with the hook or lure.

More examples

  • He replaced the damaged leader.
  • Several spare leaders lay in the tackle box.
  • The clear leader was difficult to see in the water.

Forms

leader · leaders

Similar words

trace
An alternative fishing term for the short line near the hook.