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Brackish

2 stages from Middle Dutch to English.

Today it means slightly salty, as water in estuaries

Where does the word "brackish" come from? It comes from Middle Dutch brac, adopted directly into English (1530s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
brac
Middle Dutch · medieval
"salty"
salty, used for the mixed waters of the Low Countries' estuaries
2
Stage 2 of 2
brackish
English · 1530s
"slightly salty"
formed with the English ending '-ish'
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Read the full story

Brackish’s story begins in Middle Dutch: brac meant “salty.” Salty, used for the mixed waters of the Low Countries' estuaries. It reached English by 1530s as brackish. Formed with the English ending '-ish'. Today, brackish means slightly salty, as water in estuaries.