Inlet
/ˈɪn.lɛt/noun
A small arm of the sea, a lake, or a river, or an opening that allows entry.
Did you know?The verb “let” historically developed two opposing meanings: to allow, as in “let in,” and to hinder or obstruct, a sense preserved in legal language.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*lē-
“To let go, allow, or leave”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*lētaną
“To let go, allow, or leave”
Old English
Old English
lǣtan
“To let, allow, leave, or permit”
Middle English
Middle English
inleten
“To let in or admit”
Late 14th Century
English
inlet
“An opening or passage admitting entry, especially from water”
Modern English
English
inlet
“A small waterway or opening that allows entry”