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delve

(dĕlv)

v. delved, delv·ing, delves

v.intr.

1. To search deeply and laboriously: delved through the court records.

a. To research or make inquiries into something: scientists delving into gene regulation.

b. To undertake an activity or occupation undeterred by difficulty or uncertainty: delved into writing a blog.

c. To discuss or explain something, especially in detail: The article delves into the problems facing the banking system.

3. To enter or move into an area in which movement is difficult: The explorers delved into the forest.

4. To dig the ground, as with a spade.

v.tr.

Archaic To dig (ground) with a spade.

[Middle English delven, to dig, from Old English delfan.]

delver n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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