veena

Where does the word "veena" come from? It comes from Sanskrit vina, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

Veena’s story begins in Sanskrit: vina meant “a plucked stringed instrument.” A plucked stringed instrument central to Indian classical music. It reached English by 1800s as veena. Saraswati, goddess of learning, is traditionally shown playing the veena. Today, veena means a plucked stringed instrument used in South Indian classical music.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient vina "a plucked stringed instrument", a plucked stringed instrument central to Indian classical music.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s veena "a plucked stringed instrument of South Indian classical music", Saraswati, goddess of learning, is traditionally shown playing the veena.