zer-

Etymology

Assumed to be fused from er- and an old prefix ze-, already denoting an aspect of dissolvement and asunderness. The latter is probably cognate with Middle Low German to- of the same meaning. All are ultimately from Proto-Germanic *twiz-, from Proto-Indo-European *dwis-, thus further cognate with Latin/Romance dis- as in English dissolve.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /tsɛɐ̯/ (official standard)
• IPA^(key): /tsɐ/ (more common; except when provided with emphatic stress)

Prefix

zer-

1. (inseparable verbal prefix) asunder, to pieces, to bits
2. (inseparable verbal prefix) to spoil by

See also