Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ɪxə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "eichel" is a German term that refers to the acorn, which is commonly associated with autumn. This word is pronounced as "eye-khuhl" in English, with "kh" being pronounced as the guttural "ch" found in the Scottish "loch". The letter "e" in this word is pronounced as a long "i", similar to the word "like". Meanwhile, the letter "c" is pronounced as a "k" sound in this word, rendering the proper IPA symbol as "ˈaɪ.kəl".
Eichel is a German word that is most commonly known to refer to the acorn, which is the nut or seed of an oak tree. In botanical terms, an acorn is characterized by its hard shell, usually containing a single seed, and is typically enclosed within a cupule. It serves as an important source of food for various animals, such as birds and squirrels, and is a symbol of nature and strength.
Beyond its botanical meaning, Eichel has historical significance in German culture as a family name. In Germany and other German-speaking regions, it can also be a common surname, often of Bavarian origin. It traces its etymology to Middle High German, where "eichel" referred to the fruit of the oak tree. As Germany has a rich tradition of family names associated with occupations or characteristics, it is likely that individuals with the surname Eichel or its variants had some connection to oaks or acorns in their ancestry.
Overall, the term eichel encompasses both the botanical definition of the acorn as well as the historical and cultural significance associated with the term, particularly in German-speaking regions.
The word "Eichel" has different etymologies depending on the context.
1. In German: In German, "Eichel" means "acorn". It derives from the Old High German word "ēhha", which evolved into "ēhsil" in Middle High German before becoming "Eichel". The origin of the Old High German word is uncertain, but it is thought to be related to the Indo-European root "*oik-", meaning "to be sharp" or "acorn".
2. In Yiddish: In Yiddish, "Eichel" means "penis". Its etymology is related to the Hebrew word "קָצִין" (katzin), which also means "penis". The Yiddish word was likely borrowed from Hebrew or Aramaic.
