entomology

Where does the word "entomology" come from? It comes from Greek entomon, passing through French before entering English (1766).

Entomology’s story begins in Greek: entomon meant “insect.” Insect, literally cut into segments, from en- (in) and temnein (to cut). By 1764, the word had taken hold in French as entomologie. Formed from Greek entomon (insect) and -logie (study of). It reached English by 1766 as entomology. Greek 'entomon', cut in pieces, for insects' segmented bodies; 'insect' is a Latin translation of it. Today, entomology means the scientific study of insects.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient entomon "insect", insect, literally cut into segments, from en- (in) and temnein (to cut).
2. Stage 2 · French · 1764 entomologie "the study of insects", formed from Greek entomon (insect) and -logie (study of).
3. Stage 3 · English · 1766 entomology "the scientific study of insects", Greek 'entomon', cut in pieces, for insects' segmented bodies; 'insect' is a Latin translation of it.