tandem etymology

Etymology:

The word "tandem" originates from the Latin word "tandem," meaning "at length" or "finally." It was first used in English in the mid-16th century to describe a team of horses harnessed one behind the other.

Meaning:

In its original sense, "tandem" refers to an arrangement of things or people in a single line, one following the other. However, it has since acquired several extended meanings:

  • In cycling: A bicycle built for two people, with one rider seated behind the other.
  • In aviation: A formation of two or more aircraft flying in close proximity.
  • In computing: A system in which two or more computers are connected and work together.
  • Figuratively: A sequence of events or actions that follow each other in a logical or chronological order.

Origin:

The Latin word "tandem" is ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ten-," meaning "to stretch." This root is also found in other words such as "tension," "tender," and "tenet."

The use of "tandem" to describe a team of horses originated from the practice of harnessing horses in pairs, with one horse pulling in front and the other following behind. This arrangement allowed for more efficient use of space and reduced the risk of tangling the horses' legs.

tandem relate terms

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