From Bells to Claps
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Tap any rung for its meaning.
Two stepping stones: the S (rung 1, for sells) and the M (rung 3, for seams) — each borrowed to keep a rung a real word, then given back before the end. There may be several par routes — the census above shows which ones climbers actually took.
A hollow metal object that rings when struck.
Bell comes from Old English 'belle,' and is related to similar words in Dutch and Low German. Its deeper origin is uncertain, though some scholars connect it to a root meaning to roar or make noise. Bells have been central to timekeeping and signalling in many cultures.
Full entry on Wiktionary ↗Third person singular of clap: to strike the palms together to make a sound.
Clap comes from Old English 'clappan', meaning to throb or beat, and is related to Old Norse 'klappa', meaning to pat or clap. It is thought to be imitative of the sharp sound made. Dutch 'klappen' is a close cousin.
Full entry on Wiktionary ↗Definitions give each word’s most common meaning — the full entries live at Wiktionary.