etymology

IPA: ɛtʌmˈɑɫʌdʒi

(uncountable, linguistics) The scientific study of the origin and evolution of a word's semantic meaning across time, including its constituent morphemes and phonemes.
(countable) The entire catalogue of meanings that a word, morpheme, or sign has carried throughout its history; lit. the logic of the etymon.
(countable) An account of the origin and historical development of a word as presented in a dictionary or the like.
(countable) The direct origin of a name, as in who someone was named after.

Examples of "etymology" in Sentences

The etymology of the word "etymology" can be traced back to the Greek roots "etymon" meaning true sense and "logia" meaning study
Studying the etymology of English words can reveal fascinating connections to other languages
Linguists often rely on etymology to uncover the historical development of words and languages
Understanding the etymology of a word can provide insight into its meaning and usage
The etymology of some words can be complex and involve multiple influences from different languages