Quay
/kiː/noun
A structure on the bank of a river or harbor where ships can dock and load or unload.
Did you know?The term 'quay' traces back to ancient languages, revealing how our ancestors once intertwined commerce with sacred waterways.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
kai
“A structure for loading and unloading goods from ships.”
Late Latin
Latin
cāria
“A term referring to a wharf or a place for boats.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
kōwō
“A form meaning 'to cover or shelter,' pertaining to constructions near water.”
Middle English
Middle English
quei
“A dock or platform for shipping.”
Modern English
English
quay
“A structure at the water's edge for ships to berth.”