Relay
/ˈriː.leɪ/noun
A system or team in which people or things take turns to continue a task, or a device that switches a circuit on and off.
Did you know?“Relay” entered English through French hunting language, where a *relai* was a fresh set of hounds brought in to replace tired ones—literally a system of replacement and renewal.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leǵ-
“to leave, let go, let loose”
Latin
Latin
laxāre
“to loosen, release”
Old French
Old French
relaier / relai
“to lay aside, replace; a fresh set of hounds”
Middle English
English
relayen
“to replace, relieve, or provide a fresh set”
Modern English
English
relay
“a passing on or replacement, especially in turns or stages”