automobile etymology

Etymology

The word "automobile" is derived from the Greek words:

  • "autos" (αὐτός) - meaning "self"
  • "mobilis" (μοβιλις) - meaning "movable"

Meaning

An automobile is a self-propelled vehicle that can transport people or goods. It typically has four wheels and an internal combustion engine that powers the vehicle's movement.

Origin

The term "automobile" was first used in the early 1800s to describe steam-powered road vehicles. However, it was not until the invention of the internal combustion engine in the late 1800s that the automobile became a practical form of transportation.

The term "automobile" was officially adopted by the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) in 1910 to refer to all self-propelled vehicles that use an internal combustion engine. This definition has been used ever since.

Usage

Today, the term "automobile" is often used interchangeably with the term "car." However, there is a subtle difference between the two terms. A car is typically a smaller, passenger vehicle, while an automobile can also refer to larger vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and vans.

The term "automobile" is used in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Automotive industry
  • Transportation
  • Engineering
  • History
  • Literature

automobile relate terms

  • autocar

    Etymology of Autocar The word autocar is a combination of two Latin words auto

  • auto

    Etymology Auto comes from the Greek word auto meaning self Meaning Auto is a pr

  • automobile

    Etymology The word automobile is derived from the Greek words autos αὐτός

  • Mobile

    Etymology The word mobile comes from the Latin word mobilis which means movable o

  • machine

    Etymology of Machine The word machine originates from the Greek term mekhane which

  • Limousine

    Etymology and Meaning The word limousine originates from the French region of Limousin

  • garage

    Etymology Old French garite meaning shelter or small room Late Latin garita mea

  • chassis

    Etymology The word chassis comes from the French word châssis which means frame

  • component

    Etymology of component Latin componere meaning to put together Root con toget

  • distracted

    Etymology Latin distractus meaning drawn apart past participle of distrahere

  • wing

    Etymology The word wing comes from the Old English word weng which likely originate

  • electric

    Etymology The word electric is derived from the Greek word elektron which means amb

  • travel

    Etymology The English word travel derives from the Old French word travailler which