current

Where does the word "current" come from? It comes from Latin currere, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Current’s story begins in Latin: currere meant “to run.” The root of 'course', 'courier' and 'cursor'. It reached English by 1300s as current. Settled as the English word for something happening now, or a flowing body of water. Today, current means happening or existing at the present time, or a flow of water, air, or electricity.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient currere "to run", the root of 'course', 'courier' and 'cursor'.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s current "happening now, or a flowing body of water or electricity", settled as the English word for something happening now, or a flowing body of water.