Wedge
/wɛdʒ/noun
A piece of material, usually triangular, used to split, lift, or secure objects; also a shape tapering to a thin edge.
Did you know?The word goes back to a very old Germanic root tied to the idea of driving or pushing in, which is why a wedge is not just a shape but an instrument of force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wegh-
“to go, move, carry”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wagjaną
“to drive, move, shake”
Old English
OE
wecg
“a wedge; a piece of metal or wood used for splitting or fastening”
Middle English
ME
wegge
“a wedge”
Modern English
English
wedge
“a piece of material used to split, lift, or secure things”