echidna

Where does the word "echidna" come from? It comes from Greek ekhidna, passing through New Latin before entering English (1800s).

Echidna’s story begins in Greek: ekhidna meant “viper, serpent.” Viper, also the name of a serpent-monster in Greek myth. By 1800s, the word had taken hold in New Latin as echidna. Applied to the spiny, egg-laying mammal for its serpent-associated name. It reached English by 1800s as echidna. Named after Echidna, a half-woman, half-snake monster of Greek myth. Today, echidna means a spiny, egg-laying mammal native to Australia and New Guinea, also called a spiny anteater.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient ekhidna "viper, serpent", viper, also the name of a serpent-monster in Greek myth.
2. Stage 2 · New Latin · 1800s echidna "the spiny, egg-laying mammal", applied to the spiny, egg-laying mammal for its serpent-associated name.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1800s echidna "a spiny, egg-laying mammal", named after Echidna, a half-woman, half-snake monster of Greek myth.