Etymology (Noun)
Meaning 1
The study of the sources and development of words.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Related Words
Meaning 2
A history of a word.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The etymology of the word "quarantine" dates back to the 14th century, originating from the Italian word "quaranta," meaning 40, which was the number of days ships arriving in Venice were required to anchor offshore before landing.
- The etymology of the word "robot" is derived from the Czech word "robota," meaning forced labor or drudgery, which was first used in the 1920 play "R.U.R." by Karel Čapek.
- The etymology of the word "sandwich" is attributed to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who in the 18th century requested his valet to bring him slices of meat between two pieces of bread so he could eat while continuing to play cards.
- The etymology of the word "clue" dates back to the 14th century, originating from the Old English word "clew," meaning ball of thread, which was used to describe the thread that Ariadne gave to Theseus to help him navigate the Labyrinth.
- The etymology of the word "panic" is derived from the Greek word "panikos," meaning of or pertaining to Pan, the Greek god of the wild, who was said to inspire fear and terror in those who crossed his path.