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Word and Phrase Origins

Includes questions related to the origins and etymology of English words and phrases.

500 Questions

How did the tripod get its name?

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Asked by Wiki User

The name "tripod" comes from the Greek words "tri," meaning three, and "pod," meaning foot. Tripods historically have used three legs for stability, leading to the name we use today.

Why did john Dalton coined the word atom?

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Asked by Wiki User

John Dalton coined the word "atom" because he believed that elements were made up of indivisible particles called atoms, which came from the Greek word "atomos" meaning indivisible. He used this term to describe the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

What is the derivation of the word volcano?

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Asked by Wiki User

The word "volcano" comes from the name of the Roman god of fire, Vulcan. In Latin, the term "Vulcanus" refers to the god of fire, and "volcanus" means "fire." Over time, the geological feature known as a "volcano" became associated with fire and was named after the Roman god.

What is the origin of the word thermo?

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Asked by Wiki User

The word "thermo" originates from the Greek word "therme," which means heat. It is commonly used as a prefix in scientific terminology related to heat, temperature, and energy transfer.

What is the origin of the word nylon?

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Asked by Wiki User

"Nylon" is a term constructed by combining "NY" for New York and "lon" for London, the two cities where the material was simultaneously developed by DuPont and Imperial Chemical Industries in the 1930s.

What is the origin of the word laboratory?

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Asked by Wiki User

The root word "labora "means "to work" in Latin. The suffix -tory can refer to a place (e.g. the nouns observatory, conservatory) as well as a functionality (e.g. the adjectives defamatory, depilatory).

What is the function of a jet?

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Asked by Wiki User

an Engine moves the airplane forward, with enough power it can fly straight up. generally it's the airplane wings that catch air and create/sustain lift. So basically all the engines do is move it forwarded.

What does the phrase holds like iron and grows like mist mean?

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Asked by Wiki User

The phrase "holds like iron and grows like mist" suggests something that is strong and unyielding, yet also subtle and expansive. It conveys the idea of a powerful force or influence that is difficult to break, but can also subtly shape and spread over time.

What do you think of when you hear the word 'tesla'?

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Asked by Wiki User

Electric cars, renewable energy, and advanced technology.

How many years are in a fortnight?

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Asked by Wiki User

1/26th of a year. A "fortnight" is two weeks..From "fourteen nights", eg. two seven-day weeks.

How did Nocton originate?

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Asked by Wiki User

Nocton originated as a village in Lincolnshire, England. Its name is derived from the Old English words "nook" and "tun" which mean "farmstead in a corner". Over time, Nocton has developed into a community with residential areas and amenities for its residents.

What does the phrase stable temperatures mean?

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Asked by Wiki User

Stable temperatures refer to a situation where temperature remains fairly constant or consistent over a period of time, showing minimal fluctuations or variations. This can be beneficial for maintaining a comfortable environment or for the stability of certain processes that are sensitive to temperature changes.

Fortnights in one year?

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Asked by Wiki User

There are approximately 26 fortnights in one year. A fortnight is a period of two weeks, so there are 52 weeks in a year, which translates to 26 fortnights.

What does the word azimuth mean?

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Asked by Wiki User

Azimuth refers to the direction of a celestial object from an observer, measured in degrees clockwise from true north. It is commonly used in astronomy and navigation to determine the position of stars or other objects in the sky.

What do a botany do?

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Asked by Wiki User

Botanists study plants, including their growth, development, structure, genetics, and classification. They investigate how plants interact with their environment, develop new plant varieties, and study the potential uses of plants for medicine, food, and other purposes.

What was slough named after?

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Asked by Wiki User

Slough is named after the marshy land that surrounds the area, known as a slough. The name comes from the Old English word "sloh" meaning a muddy place or swamp.

What is a sentence for hygiene?

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Asked by Wiki User

Maintaining good hygiene is important to prevent the spread of illness.

What English words were derived from the Greek God Ares?

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Asked by Wiki User

The English word "Martial" is derived from the Greek god Ares, who was the god of war. Additionally, the word "Mars" for the planet and the Roman god of war is also related to Ares.

Which is longer a fortnight or an annum?

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Asked by Wiki User

An annum is longer than a fortnight. An annum is a year, which consists of 12 months or 52 weeks, whereas a fortnight is a period of two weeks.

What is the origin of the word repel?

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Asked by Wiki User

The word "repel" originates from the Latin word "repellere," which is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "back" or "against" and the verb "pellere" meaning "to drive" or "to push." This Latin root gives us the modern meaning of repel as to drive or push away.

What is the meaning of the idiom 'sent to the glue factory'?

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Asked by Wiki User

The idiom "sent to the glue factory" is a metaphorical way of saying that someone or something has been discarded or disposed of in a harsh or cruel manner, usually due to being no longer useful or valuable. It is often used to describe a situation where a person or thing has been replaced or rendered obsolete.

How does an animal that is a biped move around?

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Asked by Wiki User

An animal that is a biped moves around by walking or running on two legs. This gait is characterized by a swinging motion of the legs and a push-off from one foot to the other. Bipedal animals maintain balance and coordination while in motion through a combination of muscle control and sensory feedback.

What is the origin of the word Tron?

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Asked by Wiki User

The word "Tron" is derived from the combination of "elecTRONic." It was originally used in the context of the 1982 film "Tron," which centered around the idea of a virtual reality world within a computer system.

Why do they call weather weather?

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Asked by Wiki User

The term "weather" comes from the Old English word "weder," meaning air, sky, climate. It refers to the conditions of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, including temperature, precipitation, and wind.

What does datasheet mean?

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Asked by Hellsangels

A datasheet is a document that provides detailed information about a specific product, including technical specifications, performance data, features, and other relevant details. Datasheets are commonly used by engineers, designers, and developers to understand the capabilities and characteristics of a product before making purchasing or design decisions.