Where does “windbreak” come from?

windbreak (English) comes from English wind, from English farm, from Middle English ferme, from Old French ferme, from Medieval Latin ferma, from Latin Firma, from Latin Firmus, from Proto-Italic fermos — to support; to hold.

windbreak (English): A hedge, fence or row of trees positioned to...

Definitions

  1. A hedge, fence or row of trees positioned to...

Ancestry of “windbreak”, step by step

windbreak traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via English wind

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishwindReal or perceived movement of atmospheric air...
2EnglishfarmA place where agricultural and similar activities...
3Middle EnglishfermeA lease; the renting of land
4Old Frenchfermelease; the land leased; farm
5Medieval LatinfermaAlternative form of firma
6LatinFirmatax, tribute
7LatinFirmusstrong, powerful
8Proto-Italicfermos
9Proto-Indo-Europeandʰer-mo-sholding
10Proto-Indo-Europeandʰer-to support; to hold

via English break

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishbreakTo separate into two or more pieces, to fracture...
2Middle Englishbrekento break
3Old Englishbrecanto break; to break into a place
4Proto-West Germanicbrekanto break
5Proto-Germanicbrekanąto break
6Proto-Indo-Europeanbʰrēǵ-to shine, shimmer

Words derived from “windbreak

Every word from Proto-Indo-European dʰer-
windbreak — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer