Poley

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to or resembling a pole in shape or function; characterized by the use of poles; pertaining to a region near one of the Earth’s poles
2. Having the qualities or features of a pole such as being long and cylindrical; involving poles in construction or sport; associated with Arctic or Antarctic areas
3. Describing objects or activities that involve or resemble poles; indicating the use of poles for support or measurement; connected with the polar regions or their climatic characteristics

Etymology: Two unrelated words called "pole" lie behind this one. The long rod comes from Old English "pāl", borrowed from Latin "palus", meaning stake. The end of the Earth's axis comes from Latin "polus", borrowed from Greek "polos", meaning pivot or axis, from a verb meaning to turn. English speakers have long used both senses, which is why the Arctic and the rod meanings sit side by side in the same word. The adjective is formed from the noun by adding the suffix "-y". This suffix descends from Old English "-ig" and gives the sense "having the qualities of" or "characterised by", as in "stony" or "milky". Adding it to "pole" produces a word for things that resemble a pole or relate to poles, whichever sense is meant.

Synonyms: polelike, long, slender, thin, tall

Antonyms: short, stubby, thick, stocky, stout