sutra

Where does the word "sutra" come from? It comes from Sanskrit sutra, and was adopted directly into English (19th c.).

Sutra’s story begins in Sanskrit: sutra meant “a thread; an aphorism or rule.” Meant 'thread, string', from a root meaning 'to sew'. It reached English by 19th c. as sutra. Adopted in English writing on Hindu and Buddhist texts. Today, sutra means a concise aphorism or rule in Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain literature; more broadly, a sacred text or teaching.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient sutra "a thread; an aphorism or rule", meant 'thread, string', from a root meaning 'to sew'.
2. Stage 2 · English · 19th c. sutra "a concise aphorism or a sacred scripture", adopted in English writing on Hindu and Buddhist texts.