Where does “diaphanous” come from?
Diaphanous comes from Latin diaphanus, from Ancient Greek διαφανής, combining διά (through) and φαίνω (to show or appear), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European roots meaning to shine or appear.
diaphanous (English): Transparent or translucent; allowing light to...
Definitions
- Transparent or translucent; allowing light to...
Ancestry of “diaphanous”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medieval Latin | diaphanus | transparent |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | διαφανής | diaphanous, translucent, transparent; red-hot,... |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | διαφαίνω | to show through transitive, shine through |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | φαίνω | I cause to appear, bring to light; I show,... |
| 5 | Proto-Hellenic | pʰáňňō | to appear |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂- | to shine, glow light; to speak, say |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂-s-ri- | — |