sere etymology

Etymology:

• Old English "sere" ("dry" or "withered")
• Proto-Germanic "saizra"
• Proto-Indo-European "*sausros" ("dry")

Meaning:

• Adj: Characterized by dryness or lack of moisture; withered or parched
• Noun: A yellow or autumnal color, typically associated with dried leaves

Origin:

The word "sere" ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "sausros," which means "dry." This root is also the origin of the words "arid" and "sirocco."

In Old English, "sere" was used to describe something that was dry or withered. It was often used in reference to plants or vegetation that had lost their moisture due to lack of rain or exposure to heat.

Over time, the word "sere" came to be associated with the autumnal season, as it is during this time that leaves turn dry and change color before falling. The noun form of the word, which refers to the characteristic yellow or orange color of autumn leaves, gained popularity in the 19th century.

sere relate terms

• sear

  Etymology From Middle English sear from Old English sær from Proto Germanic _saira_

• sere

  Etymology Old English sere dry or withered Proto Germanic saizra Proto Indo E

• austere

  Etymology Late Latin austērus harsh severe Greek austēros dry harsh Proto I

• sere

  Etymology Old English sere dry or withered Proto Germanic saizra Proto Indo E

• sorrel

  Etymology Old English sure sour diminutive suffix el Meaning A leafy gree

• sere

  Etymology Old English sere dry or withered Proto Germanic saizra Proto Indo E