Where does “firmware” come from?
Firmware is a blend of firm and ware, formed in English from firm (denoting stability or solidity) and ware (goods or products), representing software that is comparatively permanent or unchangeable.
firmware (English): Something in between hardware and software. Like...
Definitions
- Something in between hardware and software. Like...
Ancestry of “firmware”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | firm | A business partnership; the name under which it... |
| 2 | Middle English | ferme | A lease; the renting of land |
| 3 | Old French | ferme | lease; the land leased; farm |
| 4 | Medieval Latin | ferma | Alternative form of firma |
| 5 | Latin | Firma | tax, tribute |
| 6 | Latin | Firmus | strong, powerful |
| 7 | Proto-Italic | fermos | — |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | dʰer-mo-s | holding |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | dʰer- | to support; to hold |