Etymology 1

, from , from . Cognate with Dutch , German , Norwegian ; and (from Indo-European) with Latin , Breton , Russian .

Noun

1. The sea.
2. A pool or lake; a marsh.

Etymology 3

, from , from .

Adjective

(comparative -, superlative merest)

1. Just, only; the smallest amount; having no greater importance or extent.

   I saved a mere 10 pounds this week.

Etymology

From , from . Cognate with Old Saxon meri (Dutch meer), Old High German meri (German Meer), Old Norse marr (Swedish mar). The IE root is also the source of Latin mare, Old Irish muir (Breton mor), Old Church Slavonic море (Russian море), Lithuanian mãre.