bril

Etymology

From Middle Dutch beril (“beryl”), from Latin beryllus (“beryl”), from Ancient Greek βήρυλλος (bḗrullos), from Prakrit, from Sanskrit वैडूर्य (vaidurya, “a cat's eye gem; a jewel”), from Dravidian. Probably named after the city Velur (modern day Belur) in southern India. The first glasses, manufactured in Italy around 1300, were made of beryl. The meaning "toilet seat" is younger and derived from the similarity in shape. The word forms a doublet with beril (“beryl”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /brɪl/

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• Rhymes: -ɪl
• Hyphenation: bril

Noun

bril m (plural brillen, diminutive brilletje n)

1. glasses
2. toilet seat

Noun

bril c (plural brillen, diminutive briltsje)

1. glasses