Foil
/fɔɪl/noun
A thin sheet of metal or other material used to wrap or cover something.
Did you know?In the 15th century, 'foil' was also a term for a type of fencing sword, symbolizing the idea of countering an opponent's moves—like magic in a duel!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰew-
“To flow, to run, to move swiftly.”
Latin
Latin
folium
“Leaf; something thin or flat.”
Old French
Old French
foile
“A thin layer, a leaf.”
14th Century
Middle English
foile
“A thin metal sheet used in various applications.”
Modern English
English
foil
“A thin sheet of material, especially metal, used to wrap or cover.”