Definition:Echelon Matrix/Linguistic Note

Linguistic Note on Echelon Matrix

An echelon is:

a formation of troops, ships, aircraft, or vehicles in parallel rows with the end of each row projecting further than the one in front.

It derives from the French word échelon, which means a rung of a ladder, which describes the shape that this formation has when viewed from above or below.

It is pronounced e-shell-on or something like ay-shell-on, where the first ay is properly the French é.

Avoid the pronunciation et-chell-on, which is technically incorrect.