Where does “machinist” come from?
Machinist comes from French machiniste, derived from Ancient Greek μηχανή meaning "device or contrivance," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European megʰ- meaning "to be able or have power."
machinist (English): A constructor of machines and engines; one versed...
Definitions
- A constructor of machines and engines; one versed...
Ancestry of “machinist”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French | machiniste | machine operator, machinist; grip |
| 2 | French | machine | machine, device; machine |
| 3 | Middle French | machine | machine; device |
| 4 | Latin | māchina | contrivance |
| 5 | Ancient Greek | μαχανά | Doric form of μηχᾰνή |
| 6 | Ancient Greek | μηχανή | contrivance, machine, device, gear; way, means |
| 7 | Ancient Greek | μῆχος | means, expedient, remedy |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | meǵʰ- | to be able |