The word "selfcontained" is spelled "self-contained" in English. The hyphen represents a pause or break between the two parts of the compound word. The IPA phonetic transcription for "self-contained" is /sɛlf-kənˈteɪnd/. The first syllable "self" is pronounced as "sɛlf", with a short e sound. The second syllable "con" is pronounced as "kən" with a schwa sound. The final syllable "tained" is pronounced as "teɪnd" with a long a sound. This word describes something that is complete or self-sufficient within itself.
The term "self-contained" refers to something that is self-sufficient and does not rely on external factors for its operation or function. It describes an entity or system that has all the necessary components or elements within itself to carry out its intended purpose.
When used to describe a physical object, "self-contained" implies that it can perform its designated functions independently, without the need for external connections or resources. For example, a self-contained air conditioner is equipped with its own cooling mechanism and does not require any additional components or connection to an external cooling system.
In a broader sense, "self-contained" can also describe a person or a system that is capable of functioning independently without relying heavily on others. It signifies an individual's ability to be self-reliant, self-sustaining, and self-supporting, both emotionally and practically.
Additionally, "self-contained" can be applied to a unit of information, such as a document or a chapter of a book, which presents a comprehensive and complete topic within itself, without the need for references to other sources.
Overall, the term "self-contained" denotes autonomy, self-sufficiency, and the ability to operate independently, encompassing various contexts such as physical objects, individuals, and informational units.
The word "self-contained" is derived from combining two separate words: "self" and "contained".
The word "self" originates from Old English, where it was spelled as "self" or "sylf". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "selbaz", meaning "one's own". In turn, this Proto-Germanic word can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root *sel- or *selu-, which means "of oneself" or "alone".
The word "contained" is derived from Middle English and Old French. In Middle English, it was spelled as "contenen" and comes from the Old French word "contenir". The French word "contenir" can be further traced back to the Latin word "contēnēre", which means "to hold together" or "to contain".