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Added 7 October 2026

log

/lɒɡ/ symbol

In Latin: stīpes, tignum Wiktionary

symbol Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about log at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

logarithm
if x=by then logb(x)=y

symbol

ISO 639-3 language code for Logo.

noun

The trunk of a dead tree, cleared of branches.
They walked across the stream on a fallen log.
A unit of length equivalent to 16 feet, used for measuring timber, especially the trunk of a tree.
Any cylinder; anything shaped like a tree log, particularly: A rolled cake with filling.

verb

To cut trees into logs.
To cut down (trees).
To cut down trees in an area, harvesting and transporting the logs as wood.

Origin

From Middle English logge, logg (first recorded in Anglo-Latin as loggum), of uncertain origin, but probably from Old Norse lóg, lág (“felled tree, log”), derived from Old Norse liggja (“to lie”). If so, then cognate with Norwegian låg (“fallen tree”), Dutch loog (“wood, timber, lumber”). Alternatively, directly from Norwegian låg (“fallen tree”), which could have been borrowed through the Norwegian timber trade. However the Old Norse/Middle Norwegian vowel is long while Middle English vowel is short.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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