vent etymology

Etymology

The word "vent" has Old French, Latin, and ultimately Proto-Indo-European roots, with multiple etymological paths that have converged:

  • Old French: vent "wind, air hole, opening" (12th century)
  • Latin: ventus "wind, breeze, air" (1st century BC)
  • Proto-Indo-European:
    • we-n-to- "wind, blow"
    • wenh₂-/ "to blow, breathe"

Meaning

  • An opening or passage by which air, gas, or liquid enters or escapes.
  • A hole or channel in the skin or other tissue for the release of fluids or gases.
  • A narrow passage or opening through which something may pass.
  • A place or means of expression or release, especially for strong emotions or impulses.

Origin

The Proto-Indo-European roots we-n-to- and wenh₂-/ are related to words for "wind" and "breathing" in numerous Indo-European languages, including:

  • English: wind
  • German: Wind
  • Greek: ἄνεμος (anemos) "wind"
  • Sanskrit: वायु (vāyu) "air"

The semantic shift from "wind" to "opening" likely occurred due to the association between the movement of air through an opening and the natural flow of wind.

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