Etymology Map
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Center

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means the middle point

Where does the word "center" come from? It comes from Greek kentron, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
kentron
Greek · ancient
"sharp point"
Greek, the fixed point of a pair of compasses
2
Stage 2 of 3
centre
Old French · medieval
"centre"
came via Latin 'centrum'
3
Stage 3 of 3
center
English · 1300s
"middle point"
American spelling 'center' followed Webster
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Read the full story

Center’s story begins in Greek: kentron meant “sharp point.” Greek, the fixed point of a pair of compasses. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as centre. Came via Latin 'centrum'. It reached English by 1300s as center. American spelling 'center' followed Webster. Today, center means the middle point.