Pronunciation: [pˈe͡ɪlz] (IPA) 
The word "pales" is spelled with the letters P-A-L-E-S and pronounced as [peɪlz] in IPA phonetic transcription. The "a" in "pales" is pronounced as a long vowel sound, represented by the symbol [eɪ]. The final letter "s" in "pales" indicates that it is in the plural form, meaning more than one pale. A pale is a wooden stake driven into the ground as a boundary marker or for defense, commonly used in medieval times.
Pales, in its noun form, refers to a wooden stake or pointed stick, especially one used to construct a fence or barrier. It can also specifically refer to the upright wooden posts that form the boundary of an enclosure or pen. These pales are typically sharpened on one end so that they can be driven into the ground, providing structure and support to the fencing material.
The word "pales" can also be used as a verb, in which case it typically means to become less important, significant, or noticeable in comparison to something else. It suggests a sense of fading or dimming in comparison to a stronger or more prominent focus. This figurative use of the word often conveys a sense of insignificance or decline, as if something is becoming overshadowed by something else.
In a historical context, "pales" can also refer to a territory or jurisdiction that is under the control or influence of another power. This usage is derived from the noun form, as the term "pales" would often be used to describe a region that was enclosed or protected by physical boundaries or fences to mark its allegiance or subordination to a particular authority.
Overall, "pales" can encompass both a physical object, namely a wooden stake or post, as well as a more abstract descriptor of something diminishing in importance or a defined area controlled by an external power.
In bot., a name given to the small scale-plates, like chaff, in the receptacles of some composite flowers; the part of the flower of grasses within the glume.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "pales" can have different etymologies depending on its context. Here are a few possibilities:
1. As a noun meaning "a stake or pointed stick used for fencing":
- Etymology: From Middle English "pale" or "pall" (meaning a "stake or pole"), deriving from the Old English word "pāl" (meaning "a paling, fence"), ultimately from the Latin word "palus" (meaning "stake, pole").
2. As a verb meaning "to become faint or feeble":
- Etymology: From Middle English "pâlen" (meaning "to become pale, lose color"), derived from the Old French word "paloier" or "paleir", ultimately from the Latin word "pallidus" (meaning "pale, wan").
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