Where does “kleenex” come from?
kleenex (English) comes from English clean, from Middle English clene, from Old English clǣne, from Proto-Germanic klainiz, from Proto-Indo-European g(e)lēi-, from Proto-Indo-European ǵel- — to swallow; swallow.
kleenex (English): A disposable tissue
Ancestry of “kleenex”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | English | clean | "Free of dirt or impurities or protruberances.";... |
| 2 | Middle English | clene | clean |
| 3 | Old English | clǣne | pure, clear; clean, pure |
| 4 | Proto-Germanic | klainiz | shining, fine, splendid; tender, precious |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | g(e)lēi- | gleaming |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | ǵel- | to swallow; swallow |