Where does “phosphorus” come from?
Phosphorus comes from Latin phosphorus, from Ancient Greek φωσφόρος, combining φέρω (to carry) and φῶς (light), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European bʰer- (to bear or carry).
phosphorus (English): a chemical element with an atomic number of 15,...
Definitions
- a chemical element with an atomic number of 15,...
Ancestry of “phosphorus”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latin | phosphorus | phosphorus |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | φωσφόρος | That which brings light, light bearing; torch... |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | -φόρος | -bearing, -carrying; carrying, bearing; bringing |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | φέρω | I bring, bear, carry |
| 5 | Proto-Hellenic | pʰérō | to bear |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰéreti | to be carrying |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰēr- | shiny, light brown |