library
UK: ˈlaɪbrəri | US: ˈlaɪbreri
n. a collection of books and other literary materials for reading, study, or reference
n. a building or room containing such a collection
n. (computing) a collection of standard programs, subroutines, or files for use in software development
library = libr<book> + ary<place related to>
- libr<book>: From Latin liber (book, originally "inner bark of a tree," used for writing).
- ary<place related to>: A suffix denoting a place associated with a specific function, from Latin -arius.
Etymology Origin:
The word library traces back to Latin librarium (a chest for books), derived from liber (book). The transition from "tree bark" to "book" reflects early writing materials. The suffix -ary (via Old French -aire) signifies a place, giving us "a place for books." Over time, its meaning expanded to include digital collections.
She spent the afternoon studying in the university library.
The city plans to build a new public library next year.
This software includes a graphics library for developers.
His personal library contains over 5,000 rare books.
The library offers free access to online journals.