German

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From Middle High German *kniuwel (attested in the form knüel), dissimilation of kliuwel, diminutive of kliuwe, from Old High German kliuwa. Cognate with English clew.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈknɔʏ̯əl/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: Knäu‧el

Noun

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Knäuel n or m (strong, genitive Knäuels, plural Knäuel)

  1. ball of yarn
  2. tangle; mass of something entangled
  3. knawel (plant)

Usage notes

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  • The word is now generally neuter. The masculine is dated or regional.

Declension

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Derived terms

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Further reading

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  • Knäuel” in Duden online
  • Knäuel” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache