log
log Lexical Profile
log Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A part of the trunk or a large branch of a tree that has fallen or been cut off.
"He spent the afternoon splitting a heavy oak log into smaller pieces for the fireplace."
A regular, systematic record of incidents, observations, or measurements, especially one kept by a ship, aircraft, or computer system.
"The captain carefully entered the coordinates of the approaching storm into the ship's log."
A logarithm; a mathematical quantity representing the power to which a fixed base number must be raised to produce a given number.
"The students used a table of logs to solve the complex algebraic equations before calculators were permitted."
• verb
To enter details, events, or measurements into a systematic record or journal.
"The software is designed to automatically log every user interaction for security purposes."
To cut down trees for timber in a forest or woodland area.
"Environmentalists protested the decision to log the ancient cedar grove."
To achieve, attain, or complete a specific distance, speed, or amount of time.
"The marathon runner managed to log fifty miles during her first week of intensive training."
Word Nuance & Usage
The dual meaning of 'log' stems from historical maritime practices, where a piece of wood (a log) attached to a knotted line was thrown overboard to measure a ship's speed; the results were written in a 'logbook', eventually shortened to 'log'.
• Rhymes for log
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English 'logge' (late 14th century), of unknown origin, possibly related to Old Norse 'lág' (felled tree). The sense of 'record' arose in the 17th century from the 'logboard' used to record a ship's speed measured by casting a wooden block into the water.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.