islay

/ˈaɪlə/

Etymology

Derived from Scottish Gaelic Ìle, but probably ultimately of non-Indo-European (substrate) origin, along with other uncertain names in Scotland such as Skye, Lewis, and Arran. Watson (1926) hinted that a Proto-Brythonic/Proto-Celtic root connected to Gaulish *ilio (“flank, buttock”) or Welsh ilio (“to ferment”) might be behind the name. The silent s in this word, as in island, is due to an unetymological association with isle.

name

  1. The southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides in Argyll and Bute council area, Scotland.

noun

  1. Prunus ilicifolia, a traditional Native American food plant in southern California.