Clean etymology

English

English word clean comes from Proto-Indo-European *gle-, and later Proto-Germanic *klainiz (Shining, fine, splendid. Tender, precious.)

Etymology of clean

Detailed word origin of clean

Dictionary entry Language Definition
*gle- Proto-Indo-European (ine)
*gley- Proto-Indo-European (ine) to stick, smudge, to stick
*g(e)lēi- Proto-Indo-European (ine) gleaming
*glēy- Proto-Indo-European (ine)
*klainiz Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) Shining, fine, splendid. Tender, precious.
clæne Old English (ang) Clean. Clear.
clǣne Old English (ang)
clane Middle English (enm)
clean English (en) (aerodynamics) Allowing an uninterrupted flow over surfaces, without protrusions such as racks or landing gear.. (climbing, of a route) Ascended without falling.. (heading, behavioural) Free of immorality or criminality.. (heading, physical) Free of dirt or impurities or protruberances.. (health) Being free of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).. (informal) Cool or neat.. (informal) Devoid [...]