silver etymology

Etymology:

The word "silver" derives from Old English "seolfor" or "seolfer," which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic "*silubr."

Meaning:

Silver is a chemical element with the symbol Ag (from the Latin word "argentum") and atomic number 47. It is a precious metal known for its bright white color and high value.

Origin:

The Proto-Germanic word "silubr" likely originated from a Proto-Indo-European root "h₂erǵ-," meaning "white" or "shining." This root is also related to the Sanskrit word "arguna," meaning "white" or "silver."

History of Usage:

Silver has been known to humanity since ancient times and has played a significant role in various cultures and civilizations. It was first used for ornamental purposes, but later became a valuable form of currency and a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Other Etymological Considerations:

• The word "argent" in French and many other European languages also originates from the Latin word "argentum," which means "silver."
• The word "sterling" in English, used to refer to a certain quality of silver, is derived from Old English "steorra," meaning "star," possibly due to the bright and star-like appearance of pure silver.

silver relate terms

• argent

  Etymology The word argent comes from the Latin word argentum which means silver

• silvern

  Etymology Middle English silvern selverin from Old English seolfor n suffix form

• silver

  Etymology The word silver derives from Old English seolfor or seolfer which in tu

• spoon

  Etymology The word spoon has its origins in the Old English word spōn which meant

• quicksilver

  Etymology Quicksilver is derived from the Old English words cwic meaning alive an

• fluent

  Etymology Origin Latin fluens present participle of fluere to flow Meaning Th

• hydrargyrum

  Etymology The word hydrargyrum is derived from the Greek words hydr meaning wate

• purl

  Etymology Middle English purlen purfle Old French purfiler pourfiler Late Latin pu

• Mercury

  Etymology Latin Mercurius Greek Ἑρμῆς Hermēs Meaning Messenger or g

• plate

  Etymology The word plate comes from the Old French word plate which is derived from

• prize

  Etymology The word prize comes from the Middle English word pris which in turn is d

• garnet

  Etymology and Origin The word garnet has its roots in the Latin word granatus which

• color

  Color Etymology Color Etymology Origin Black Old English blæc