Jetty
/ˈdʒɛti/noun
A structure built out into water to protect a shoreline or help guide boats.
Did you know?Jetty is tied to the same ancient root as words for throwing and ejecting, so its history is literally about projecting something outward into the sea.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Late Latin
jectāre
“to throw repeatedly, hurl”
Latin
Latin
iacere
“to throw, hurl, cast”
Old French
Old French
jetée
“a thrown-out work; a pier or breakwater”
Middle English
English
jettye
“a projecting pier or structure extending into water”
Modern English
English
jetty
“a structure built out into water to protect a shore or aid navigation”