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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verb
molder
MOHL-der/ˈməʊldər/
To decay slowly.
Etymology
Molder probably pictures decay as turning into loose earth or dust. On this analysis, its ending marks a repeated process, fitting the gradual crumbling of something left to decay.
Related word entries
- adulterer
- banker
- batter
- betterImprove
- betterPerson who wagers
- biker
- blabber
- blooper
- blower
- bootlegger
- bowler
- builder
- bumper
- bushwhackerBrush clearer
- bushwhackerGuerrilla fighter
- buyer
- carpetbagger
- caterer
- challenger
- clipper
- commissioner
- creeperTrailing or climbing plant
- creeperThick-soled shoe
- dealer
- driverDevice software
- driverGolf club
- driverVehicle operator
- eavesdropper
- employer
- enchanter
- fiddlerBurrowing crab
- fiddlerViolin player
- fighter
- follower
- formerPrevious role or status
- formerShaping person or device
- founder
- freezer
- grasshopper
- grinderGrinding device
- grinderLong sandwich
- grouper
- holder
- informer
- joiner
- juicer
- leaderFilm or tape strip
- leaderFishing connection
- leaderEditorial article
- linger
- listener
- locker
- lookerAttractive person
- lookerPerson who looks
- lover
- lower
- manager
- manufacturer
- marker
- merger
- molder
- necromancer
- nipperPinching or cutting tool
- nipperSmall child
- organizer
- outer
- panhandler
- parishioner
- passerSuccess in an assessment
- passerGoing past
- passerPerceived social membership
- photographer
- pisserAmusing or impressive person or thing
- pisserOne that urinates
- pisserSource of frustration
- pitcher
- playerGame participant
- playerMusician
- playerMedia playback device
- playerActor
- potterCeramics maker
- potterUnhurried activity
- prayer
- purifier
- putterGolfer making short strokes
- putterGolf club
- rapper
- reader
- reaper
- recorder
- reefer
- reporter
- ringleader
- romancer
- rover
- rubber
- runnerLong narrow piece
- runnerPlant stem
- runnerPerson running
- salver
- sampler
- sewer
- shooterPerson taking shots
- shooterSmall alcoholic drink
- shooterCamera operator
- shutter
- singer
- skitter
- slammerForceful impact
- slammerPrison
- slaver
- sleeperOvernight rail accommodation
- sleeperSleeping person or animal
- sleeperRail support
- smuggler
- sneaker
- snifter
- soothsayer
- sorcerer
- spanner
- speakerAudio device
- speakerPerson speaking
- supporter
- swagger
- tapper
- teacher
- tender
- trailer
- tranquilizer
- transducer
- traveler
- trencher
- unbeliever
- upperHigher position
- upperStimulant drug
- user
- viewer
- waiter
- wiper
- wooferLow-frequency speaker
- wooferDog
- worker
- writer
- zapperElectric disabling device
- zapperRemote control