Where does “cathedral” come from?
cathedral (Middle English) comes from Old French cathedral, from Latin cathedrālis, from Latin cathēdra, from Ancient Greek καθέδρα, from Ancient Greek κατά, from Ancient Greek καταστερίζω, from Ancient Greek ἀστήρ, from Proto-Hellenic astḗr — to be/become dry; to burn, to glow; hearth.
cathedral (Middle English): cathedral relating to the see of a bishop
Definitions
- cathedral relating to the see of a bishop
Ancestry of “cathedral”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old French | cathedral | — |
| 2 | Latin | cathedrālis | cathedral relating to a bishop's see |
| 3 | Latin | cathēdra | armchair (having cushions and supports) |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | καθέδρα | seat; sitting posture; teacher's chair,... |
| 5 | Ancient Greek | κατά | |
| 6 | Ancient Greek | καταστερίζω | to place among the stars; I put among the stars |
| 7 | Ancient Greek | ἀστήρ | a celestial body; illustrious person; starfish |
| 8 | Proto-Hellenic | astḗr | star |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | h₂stḗr | star |
| 10 | Proto-Indo-European | h₂eHs- | to be/become dry; to burn, to glow; hearth |