Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “recta” come from?

Recta derives from New Latin rectum, from Latin rectum meaning "straight," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European h₃reǵ- meaning "to direct or straighten."

recta (English): plural of rectum

Definitions

  1. plural of rectum

Ancestry of “recta”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishrectumThe terminal part of the large intestine through...
2New Latinrectumaccusative supine of regō; nominative neuter...
3Latinrectumaccusative supine of regō; nominative neuter...
4Latinrectusruled, having been ruled, governed, having been...
5Latinregeresecond-person singular future passive indicative...
6LatinregoI rule, govern; I guide, steer; I oversee, manage
7Proto-Italicregō—
8Proto-Indo-Europeanh₃réǵetito be straightening, to be setting upright
9Proto-Indo-Europeanh₃reǵ-to straighten, to right oneself; right; just
Every word from Proto-Indo-European h₃reǵ- →