Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “Archean” come from?

Archean derives from Ancient Greek ἀρχαῖα, feminine of ἀρχαῖος meaning "ancient," from ἀρχή "beginning" and ἄρχω "to rule," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European h₂ergʰ-.

Archean (English): Alternative form of Archaean

Definitions

  1. Alternative form of Archaean

Ancestry of “Archean”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishArchaeanOf, or relating to the geologic eon from about...
2Ancient Greekἀρχαῖαneuter nominative/accusative/vocative plural of...
3Ancient GreekἀρχαῖοςPertaining to the beginning; ancient, primeval
4Ancient Greekἀρχήbeginning, origin; sovereignty, dominion,...
5Ancient GreekἄρχωTo begin; To lead, rule, govern, command; To be...
6Proto-Indo-Europeanh₂ergʰ-to begin; to command, rule; to begin, rule,...

Words derived from “Archean”

  • Mesoarchean
Every word from Proto-Indo-European h₂ergʰ- →