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log

n. · v.
US //ˈɫɔɡ// UK //lˈɒɡ// log
  1. 1 wood (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a thick piece of wood that has fallen or been cut from a tree.

    a segment of the trunk or a large limb of a felled tree, cleared of branches and suitable for fuel or timber.

    Example

    We put another log on the fire to keep the living room warm.

    Example

    The hikers sat on a moss-covered log to rest before continuing their ascent through the dense pine forest.
  2. 2 a record (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    an official record of events, especially on a ship, aircraft, or computer system.

    a systematic, chronological record of events, observations, or data, particularly regarding the operation of a vessel or computer network.

    Example

    The captain kept a daily log of the ship's position and the weather.

    Example

    The system administrator reviewed the server logs to identify the exact moment the security breach occurred.
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  1. 3 math (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    a short way of saying 'logarithm'.

    a shortened form of logarithm, representing the power to which a base must be raised to produce a given number.

    Example

    You need to calculate the log of this number to solve the equation.

    Example

    The decibel scale is based on a log scale, which allows for the representation of a vast range of sound intensities.
    • logarithm
  2. 4 vulgar slang (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Vulgar Slang

    a piece of solid waste from the body.

    a piece of excrement, specifically one that is relatively long and solid.

    Example

    The dog left a large log right in the middle of the sidewalk.

    Example

    The plumber discovered a solid log of waste obstructing the main drainage pipe, necessitating a high-pressure flush.
  3. 5 to record (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to write down or enter information into a record.

    to enter details of an event or period of time into a formal record or database.

    Example

    The pilot must log every hour she spends flying the plane.

    Example

    The software automatically logs every user interaction to help the developers improve the interface design.
  4. 6 to travel (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Nautical

    to travel a certain distance or at a certain speed.

    to achieve or record a specific distance or speed, typically in the context of navigation or transport.

    Example

    The ship logged over three hundred miles in a single day.

    Example

    During the sea trials, the vessel logged a top speed of twenty-five knots despite the heavy swell.
  5. 7 to cut wood (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to cut down trees for wood.

    to fell trees and prepare them for transport as timber, often as a commercial activity.

    Example

    The company was given permission to log this section of the forest.

    Example

    Environmental groups protested the decision to log the ancient woodland, citing the potential loss of biodiversity.
Etymology 1

From Middle English logge, logg (first recorded in Anglo-Latin as loggum), of uncertain origin, but probably from Old Norse lóg, lág (“felled tree, log”), derived from Old Norse liggja (“to lie”). If so, then cognate with Norwegian låg (“fallen tree”), Dutch loog (“wood, timber, lumber”). Alternatively, directly from Norwegian låg (“fallen tree”), which could have been borrowed through the Norwegian timber trade. However the Old Norse/Middle Norwegian vowel is long while Middle English vowel is short.

Etymology 2

Clipping of logbook, itself from log (etymology 1) + book, from a wooden float (chip log) used to measure speed.

Etymology 3

Ellipsis of log out, itself from Etymology 2.

Etymology 4

From Hebrew לֹג.

Etymology 5

A clipping of logarithm.

Word family
Idioms5 entries

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