mechanic

Where does the word "mechanic" come from? It comes from Greek mekhanikos, passing through Latin before entering English (1500s).

Mechanic’s story begins in Greek: mekhanikos meant “relating to machines.” Relating to machines, from mekhane (machine, device). By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as mechanicus. Greek 'mēkhanē', machine, a device or contrivance. It reached English by 1500s as mechanic. Settled as the word for someone skilled in working with machines. Today, mechanic means a skilled worker who repairs and maintains machinery.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient mekhanikos "relating to machines", relating to machines, from mekhane (machine, device).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient mechanicus "relating to machines", Greek 'mēkhanē', machine, a device or contrivance.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s mechanic "a skilled worker who repairs machines", settled as the word for someone skilled in working with machines.