log

/lɑg/

/lɒg/

Other forms: logs; logged; logging

A log is the trunk of a tree minus the branches: logging is cutting down trees. A log is also a written record of something, and logging is keeping such a record.

The first type of log is a tree that's been cut down with the branches stripped. Think of a log cabin: it's made up of logs. Logging is when trees are cut down for lumber. The other type of log is some type of written record or list of messages. A ship captain keeps a log of notes on the ship's status and progress. When you make such a record, you're logging. Logging can be written or orally recorded.

Definitions of log

1. noun

   a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches
   types:

   nurse log

   a large decomposing tree trunk that has fallen, usually in a forest; the decaying wood provides moisture and nutrients for a variety of insects and plants

   saw log

   log large enough to be sawed into boards

   type of:

   wood

   the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
2. verb

   cut lumber, as in woods and forests
   synonyms: lumber

   type of:

   cut down, drop, fell, strike down

   cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
3. noun

   a written record of messages sent or received
   “they kept a log of all transmission by the radio station”

   “an email log”

   type of:

   written account, written record

   a written document preserving knowledge of facts or events
4. noun

   a written record of events on a voyage (of a ship or plane)
   type of:

   written account, written record

   a written document preserving knowledge of facts or events
5. noun

   measuring instrument that consists of a float that trails from a ship by a knotted line in order to measure the ship's speed through the water
   types:

   harpoon log

   a cylindrical log with a device that registers distance

   patent log, screw log, taffrail log

   a cigar-shaped log with rotary fins that measure the ship's speed

   type of:

   measuring device, measuring instrument, measuring system

   instrument that shows the extent or amount or quantity or degree of something
6. verb

   enter into a log, as on ships and planes
   type of:

   enter, put down, record

   make a record of; set down in permanent form
7. noun

   the exponent required to produce a given number
   synonyms: logarithm

   types:

   common logarithm

   a logarithm to the base 10

   Napierian logarithm, natural logarithm

   a logarithm to the base e

   type of:

   exponent, index, power

   a mathematical notation indicating the number of times a quantity is multiplied by itself