film

UK: fɪlm | US: fɪlm

Definition
  1. n. a thin layer or coating

  2. n. a motion picture; movie

  3. vt. to record or capture on video or photographic film

Structure
film <thin layer>
Etymology

The word film traces back to Old English filmen, referring to a thin membrane or skin. Over time, it evolved to describe any thin layer (e.g., oil film on water). In the late 19th century, with the invention of photographic and motion-picture technology, film was adopted to denote the flexible material used for recording images. By extension, it came to mean the recorded content itself (e.g., "watch a film"). The root logic revolves around thinness and layering, bridging physical and abstract uses.

Examples
  1. A thin film of ice covered the pond.

  2. She starred in an award-winning film last year.

  3. He filmed the entire concert with his phone.

  4. The artist applied a film of varnish to the painting.

  5. Documentary films often explore social issues.