kohl

Where does the word "kohl" come from? It comes from Arabic kuhl, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Kohl’s story begins in Arabic: kuhl meant “a dark cosmetic powder.” A powder made from ground minerals, used to darken the eyelids. It reached English by 1600s as kohl. Ancient Egyptians wore kohl to protect eyes from sun glare; the same word gave 'alcohol'. Today, kohl means a dark powder used as eye makeup, especially to line the eyes.

1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval kuhl "a dark cosmetic powder", a powder made from ground minerals, used to darken the eyelids.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s kohl "a dark powder used as eye makeup", ancient Egyptians wore kohl to protect eyes from sun glare; the same word gave 'alcohol'.