ell
1 of 3noun (1)
ˈel 
: a former English unit of length (as for cloth) equal to 45 inches (about 1.14 meters)
also : any of various units of length used similarly
ell
2 of 3noun (2)
1
: an extension at right angles to the length of a building
2
: an elbow in a pipe or conduit
ELL
3 of 3abbreviation
English language learner; English language learning
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English eln, from Old English; akin to Old High German elina ell, Latin ulna forearm, Greek ōlenē elbow, Sanskrit aratni
Noun (2)
alteration of el entry 1
First Known Use
Noun (1)
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun (2)
1773, in the meaning defined at sense 1
ells
noun
as in wings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- wings
- arms
- extensions
- annexes
- penthouses
- additions