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Logs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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logs

[lษ’ษกz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

wood

Large pieces of wood, typically cut for fuel or construction.

Synonyms

lumber, timber, wood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
logs

logs are typically large, unprocessed segments of trees, often used for firewood, construction, or furniture making.

  • We need to chop these logs for the fireplace.
  • The sawmill processes logs into planks.
timber

timber can refer to both trees in their natural state and wood that has been cut and prepared for use in building. It is often used in the UK more frequently than in the US.

  • The storm knocked down several large timbers in the forest.
  • We need to order timber for the construction project.
lumber

lumber refers to wood that has been processed into beams and planks, often used for building structures and furniture.

  • We need more lumber for the new deck.
  • The carpenter used high-quality lumber for the cabinets.
wood

wood is a general term for the material from trees, often used in many different contexts from firewood to crafting material.

  • He carved a beautiful sculpture from a piece of wood.
  • The house has beautiful wood floors.

Examples of usage

  • He gathered some logs for the fireplace.
  • The cabin was built from logs.
Context #2 | Noun

record keeping

A record of events, especially a detailed record of a journey.

Synonyms

diary, journal, record.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
logs

Typically used in professional or technical contexts to refer to systematic and detailed written accounts, often related to activities, events, or observations.

  • The IT department keeps detailed logs of all system activity
  • The captain maintained ship logs to record the voyage progress
journal

Can be used both for personal and professional purposes. It can refer to a personal reflection similar to a diary or a more structured record for academic or research purposes.

  • He keeps a journal to document his travels
  • The researcher published findings in a scientific journal
diary

Best suited for personal, daily records or reflections. Usually written in a more casual and introspective tone.

  • She wrote in her diary every night before bed
  • My summer vacation memories are all in my diary
record

A general term that can be applied in many contexts where documentation, evidence, or a detailed account is required. Often more formal and structured.

  • The hospital maintains a detailed record of all patient visits
  • Historical records show the city was founded over 200 years ago

Examples of usage

  • She kept a log of all the expenses during the trip.
  • The captain wrote in the ship's log every day.
Context #3 | Verb

record

To enter an event or occurrence in a log.

Synonyms

document, record, register.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
logs

Used to refer to detailed records or entries, often in a systematic manner, commonly used in technical or professional settings like computer systems, work activities, or transportation.

  • The system logs showed an error at midnight.
  • Keep a log of your daily activities.
record

Used to refer to stored information or data, often official or historical, can be physical or digital and is used in a wide range of settings.

  • The medical records are confidential.
  • The witness's statement was recoะณded by the police.
document

Used to refer to any written or printed material that provides information or evidence, common in office, academic, and legal contexts.

  • Please review the attached document before the meeting.
  • The research findings were published in a document.
register

Used to refer to an official list or book that stores people's names or organizational details, often in administrative or formal situations.

  • You need to sign the visitor register upon arrival.
  • The company is listed in the business register.

Examples of usage

  • The pilot logged the flight hours in his logbook.
  • She logged her daily activities in the journal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In computing, logs are crucial for monitoring systems, capturing events, errors, and user actions for troubleshooting.
  • Web logs track visitor activity on websites, helping creators understand user behavior for website improvement.
  • Cloud computing services generate logs that help in scaling resources and understanding app performance metrics.

Science

  • Scientific logs are essential for researchers, documenting experiments, changes, and observations for future analysis.
  • Field logs help scientists track data over time in environmental studies, aiding in understanding natural phenomena.
  • Marine biologists maintain logs to record species observations, contributing vital information to global biodiversity databases.

Literature

  • Literary logs, such as journals or diaries, often reveal inner thoughts and provide a window into the author's life and creative process.
  • In storytelling, logs can represent memory or history, serving as narrative devices that connect characters across timelines.
  • Famous literary works often utilize log entries to convey perspective, adding depth to character development.

Origin of 'logs'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'logg' which meant a 'piece of wood', linking to its origin as both a physical object and a written record.
  • In the 16th century, 'logs' began to refer to records kept by sailors about their journeys at sea, showing its evolution over time.
  • The maritime term 'logbook' stems from the practice of using a floating log to measure speed, marking the start of tracking sea voyages.

The word 'log' originated from Old Norse 'lag' meaning felled tree. It evolved to Middle English 'logge' in the 14th century. Originally used to refer to a felled tree trunk, it later extended to mean a record of events. The verb form, meaning to record an event, came into use in the 19th century.

See also: clog, log, logger, logging, logic, login, logjam, logo, logout, prologue, unlogged, weblog.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,949 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.