Definition of LYE

lye

Plural: lyes

Noun

  • A strong alkaline solution, like potassium hydroxide, used in soap.
  • a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • An alkaline liquid made by leaching ashes (usually wood ashes).
  • Potassium or sodium hydroxide (caustic soda).
  • Obsolete spelling of lie.
  • A short side line, connected with the main line; a turn-out; a siding.

Verb

  • To treat with lye.
  • Obsolete spelling of lie.

Examples

  • He expertly placed "LYE" to unlock a cascade of points, cleansing his Scrabble rack.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English leye, lye, from Old English lēah, lēag (“lye”), from Proto-West Germanic *laugu, from Proto-Germanic *laugō, from Proto-Indo-European *lewh₃- (“to wash”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian Loge, Looie (“lye”), Dutch loog (“lye”), German Low German Loge, Loje, Loog (“lye”), German Lauge (“lye”).
Compare typologycally Ancient Greek ῥύμμα (rhúmma) < ῥύπτω (rhúptō, “to cleanse, to wash”).

Scrabble Score: 6

lye: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
lye: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
lye: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 6

lye: valid Words With Friends Word