How Do You Spell WETHERILL?

Pronunciation: [wˈɛθəɹˌɪl] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Wetherill" can appear tricky at first glance, but can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The initial "W" is pronounced as a voiced labio-velar approximant [w], followed by the short "e" sound pronounced as a mid-front unrounded vowel [ɛ]. The "th" is pronounced as an unvoiced dental fricative [θ], while "er" is a schwa sound [ə]. Finally, "ill" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar lateral fricative [ɬ]. The resulting spelling pronunciation is [ˈwɛθərɪɬ].

WETHERILL Meaning and Definition

1. Wetherill is a noun that refers to a surname, as well as a historical and geographical term. As a surname, Wetherill is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "weðer" meaning "ram" and the suffix "-hyll" meaning "hill." Therefore, Wetherill is typically understood to mean "ram's hill" or "sheep hill."

   Additionally, Wetherill can also refer to the Wetherill family, who played a significant role in the history and settlement of the American Southwest. They were a prominent Quaker family who migrated to the United States from England in the 17th century and settled in the Pennsylvania area before venturing westward.

   The term Wetherill is also associated with the Wetherill Mesa, a geographical formation located in Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado, United States. This mesa is known for its collection of archaeological sites, including ancient ancestral Puebloan dwellings and cliffside dwellings. The Wetherill family, particularly Richard Wetherill and his brother-in-law Charles Mason, were renowned for their exploration and excavation of these sites in the late 19th century, significantly contributing to the understanding of the pre-Columbian history in the Mesa Verde region.

   Overall, Wetherill encompasses a surname, a historical family, and a significant geological formation, each with their respective meanings and contributions.

Common Misspellings for WETHERILL

• wethrell
• wetherell
• weatherill
• weatherilll
• qetherill
• aetherill
• setherill
• eetherill
• 3etherill
• 2etherill
• wwtherill
• wstherill
• wdtherill
• wrtherill
• w4therill
• w3therill
• werherill
• wefherill
• wegherill
• weyherill

Etymology of WETHERILL

The etymology of the word "Wetherill" is typically traced back to an English surname. It is derived from the Old English words "wether" and "hyll", which translate to "wether hill". "Wether" refers to a castrated male sheep, while "hill" simply means a hill. The name likely originated as a topographic surname, given to someone who lived near a hill where castrated male sheep were grazed. Over time, "Wetherhill" and its variations evolved into "Wetherill". It is worth noting that surnames often underwent changes in spelling or pronunciation throughout history, so variations may exist.