Etymology Map
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Liquid

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a substance that flows freely

Where does the word "liquid" come from? It comes from Latin liquidus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
liquidus
Latin · ancient
"fluid, clear"
from 'liquere', to be fluid
2
Stage 2 of 3
liquide
Old French · medieval
"fluid"
phoneticians call 'l' and 'r' liquid consonants, a term from Greek grammar
3
Stage 3 of 3
liquid
English · 1300s
"fluid"
'liquid assets' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Liquid’s story begins in Latin: liquidus meant “fluid, clear.” From 'liquere', to be fluid. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as liquide. Phoneticians call 'l' and 'r' liquid consonants, a term from Greek grammar. It reached English by 1300s as liquid. 'liquid assets' dates from the 1800s. Today, liquid means a substance that flows freely.