robust

Where does the word "robust" come from? It comes from Latin robur, passing through French before entering English (1540s).

Robust’s story begins in Latin: robur meant “oak, strength.” Hard oak wood was the image of strength. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as robuste. Latin 'robustus' literally meant oaken, from 'robur', a hard reddish oak wood, so 'as strong as oak'. It reached English by 1540s as robust. Used of wine and arguments. Today, robust means strong and healthy.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient robur "oak, strength", hard oak wood was the image of strength.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s robuste "strong", Latin 'robustus' literally meant oaken, from 'robur', a hard reddish oak wood, so 'as strong as oak'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1540s robust "strong", used of wine and arguments.