ell

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈel 

: a former English unit of length (as for cloth) equal to 45 inches (about 1.14 meters)

also : any of various units of length used similarly

ell

2 of 3

noun (2)

1

: an extension at right angles to the length of a building

2

: an elbow in a pipe or conduit

ELL

3 of 3

abbreviation

English language learner; English language learning

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English eln, from Old English; akin to Old High German elina ell, Latin ulna forearm, Greek ōlenē elbow, Sanskrit aratni

Noun (2)

alteration of el entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ell

1 of 2 noun

ˈel 

: a former English unit of length for cloth equal to 45 inches (1.1 meters)

ell

2 of 2 noun

: a part of a building that extends at right angles to the main part