m

Mac- < scottish and irish [prefix in names] Mac- < old celtic *makko-s (= son).

macabre < middle english macabre < old french [danse] Macabré (= [dance] of Death) < (?) 1. medieval latin [Chorea] Machabæorum (= [dance] of the Maccabees) < Maccabæorum, genitive plural of Maccabæi < ancient greek Μακκαβαίοι | Makkabaeoe, a Jewish family [leaders of a revolution against Seleucides occupation of Israel] < hebrew makkaba (= hammer) or 2. Macabré, a painter [who made paintings of skeletons dance].

macaroni < (?) 1. italian [dialectal] maccaroni, plural of maccarone < medieval greek μακαρωνία | makarōnia < ancient greek μακαρία | makaria (= food made from barley, food in honor of a dead) < μακαρία, female of μακάριος | makarios (= happy), also (= dead) < μάκαρ | makar (= happy) or 2. venetian macaroni < latin *macco [inf. maccare] (= cut).

machete < spanish machete (= a chopping knife) < (?) a diminutive of macho (= sledge hammer) < mazo (= club) < (?) maza (= mallet) < vulgar latin *mattea (= war club).

machine < middle french machine (= device, contrivance) < latin machina (= machine, device) < ancient greek μακάνα | makana, μηχανή | mēkhanē (= device, tool, machine).

macho < spanish macho (= male animal, tugh guy) < macho (= masculine) < latin masculus (= masculine, male), a diminutive of mas [gen. maris] (= male).

Machu Picchu < quechua (of Inca) machu (= old man) + pikchu (= peak).

macular < macula (= spot) < latin macula (= spot, stain) < proto-italic *smalto-.

mad < middle english mad (= crazy, insane) < old english gemædde (= foolish, stupid) < gemæded, past participle of *gemædan (= make insane, make foolish) < proto-germanic *gamaidjan < *gamaidaz (= changed, abnormal).

Madagascar < Mogadishu, city in Somalia [the Italian explorer Marco Polo thought the arabic name of this city was that of the island] < arabic mukaddas (= holy).

madam < middle english madam < old french ma dame (= my lady) < latin mea domina (= my lady) < mea, female of meus (= mine) + domina (= lady, mistress of the house) (< latin domus (= house)).

Madeira < portuguese madeira (= wood) [from the formerly large wood of this island] < latin materia (= wood, matter).

Madeline < french Magdalene < latin [Maria] Magdalena < ancient greek [Μαρία] Μαγδαληνή | [Maria] Magdalēnē (= [Mary] of Magdala) < aramaic Maghdela (= tower), a town in Israel < gadal (= be great, be high).

Madge < Mag < a diminutive of Margaret < old french Margaret < late latin Margarita (= pearl) < ancient greek μαργαρίτης [λίθος] | margaritēs [lithos] (= pearl [stone]).

Madison < middle english Madison < 1. (?) Mathieson (= son of Matthew) < Matthew + son or 2. *Maddison (= son of Maddy) < Maddy, a diminutive of Maud < old french Mahaut < medieval latin Matilda < old high german Mahthilda < mahti (= might, power) + hildi (= battle).

madonna < italian madonna < old italian ma donna (= my lady) < ma (= my) + donna (= lady) < latin mea domina (= my lady) < mea, female of meus (= mine) + domina (= lady, mistress of the house) (< latin domus (= house)).

Madrid < spanish Madrid < Majerit.

maestro < italian maestro (= master) < latin magister [gen. magistris] (= chief, director, teacher), a contrastive of magis (= more) < I.E. *mag-yos-, comparative of *meg- (= great).

mafia < italian Mafia (= Sicilian secret society of criminals) < 1. sicilian mafia (= courage, bravery, spirit of hostility to the law) < arabic mahjas (= arrogance) or 2. sicilian mafiusu (= signifying a bully, arrogant, fearless, proud) < arabic marfud (= rejected).

magazine < middle french magasin (= warehouse, store) < italian magazzino < arabic makhazin, plural of makhzan (= storehouse) < khazana (= store up). [the meaning “periodical journal” dates from the first publication of “Gentleman’s Magazine” (1731)]

Magdalene < latin [Maria] Magdalena < ancient greek [Μαρία] Μαγδαληνή | [Maria] Magdalēnē (= [Mary] of Magdala) < aramaic Maghdela (= tower), a town in Israel < gadal (= be great, be high).

magenta < italian Magenta, a town in Italy [where this color was produced and named in honor of the Battle of Magenta (1859)] < [Marcus Aurelius Valerius] Maxentius, Roman emperor < maximus, superlative of magnus (= great, large).

Maggie < a diminutive of Margaret < old french Margaret < late latin Margarita (= pearl) < ancient greek μαργαρίτης [λίθος] | margaritēs [lithos] (= pearl [stone]).

magic < middle english magike (= magical art) < old french magique (= magic, magical) < late latin magice (= sorcery, magic) < ancient greek μαγική [τέχνη] | magikē [tekhnē] (= magical [art]) < μαγική, female of μαγικός | magikos (= magical) < μάγος | magos (= magician) < old persian Magush, a tribe of priests < I.E. *magh- (= be able, have power).

magistrate < middle english magistrate < old french magistrat < latin magistratus (= magistrate) < magistro [inf. magistrare] (= serve as a magistrate) < magister [gen. magistris] (= chief, director, teacher) {> portuguese mestre, spanish maestro, italian maestro, french maître, dutch meester, german Meister} < a contrastive of magis (= more) < I.E. *mag-yos-, comparative of *meg- (= great).

magma < middle english magma (= dregs) < latin magma (= dregs of an ointment) < ancient greek μάγμα | magma (= thick unguent, ointment) < μάσσω | massō (= knead, mold).

magnet < middle english magnet < old french magnete < latin magnes [gen. magnetis] (= lodestone) < ancient greek μαγνήτης [λίθος] | magnētēs [lithos] (= [stone] of Magnesia) < Μάγνης | Magnēs [gen. Μάγνητος | Magnētos], a nation in Magnesia in Greece.

magnify < middle english magnifien < old french magnefiier (= glorify, magnify) < latin magnifico [inf. magnificare] (= esteem greatly, extol) < magnificus (= great, elevated) < magnus (= great) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

magnolia < modern latin Magnolius < french [Pierre] Magnol, a botanist.

mahogany < spanish mahogani < (?) source from Maya (of Honduras).

maid < middle english maid, a shortening of maiden (q.v.).

maiden < old english mæ(g)den (= unmarried woman, girl, maidservant), a diminutive of mæg(e)ð (= virgin, girl, woman, wife) < proto-germanic *magadin- (= young womanhood), female of I.E. *maghu- (= youngster, unmarried).

mail < middle english mail (= traveling bag) < old french male (= wallet, bag, bundle) < frankish *malha < proto-germanic *malho- < I.E. *molko- (= skin, bag).

main < old english mægen (= power, strength, force) < proto-germanic *maginam (= power) < I.E. *magh- (= be able, have power).

maintain < middle english maintenen (= support, uphold, aid) < anglo-french meintenir (= keep, sustain) < latin manu tenere (= hold in hand) < manu, ablative of manus (= hand) + teneo [inf. tenere] (= hold).

maisonette < french maisonnette, a diminutive of maison (= house) < old french mansion (= house, habitation, home, mansion) < latin mansio [gen. mansionis] (= a staying, a remaining) < maneo [inf. manere] (= to stay, abide) < I.E. *men-(3) (= to remain).

majesty < middle english mageste < old french majeste (= grandeur, nobility) < latin majestas (= greatness, honor, excellence) < major, comparative of magnus (= great, large) < I.E. *meg- (= great).

major < middle english majour (= greater, leading, principal) < latin major, comparative of magnus (= great, large) < I.E. *meg- (= great).

Majorca < spanish Majorca (= greater) [so called because it is the largest of the three islands] < latin major, comparative of magnus (= great, large) < I.E. *meg- (= great).

majorette < [drum]-majorette (1938), female of drum-major < drum + major.

make < old english macian (= do, give being to, cause) < west germanic *makōjanan (= to fashion, fit) {> dutch maken, old high german mahhon, german machen} < I.E. *mag- (= to knead, fashion, fit).

Malaga < spanish Malaga < (?) phoenician malha (= salt).

malaria < italian mal’aria < mala aria (= bad air) < mala, female of malo (= bad) (< latin malus (= bad)) + aria (= air) (< latin aer (= air) < ancient greek αήρ | aēr [gen. αέρος | a-eros] (= air).

Malcolm < old irish Máel Coluim (= servant of [St.] Columba) < máel (= servant) + Coluim (= Columba).

Maldives < (?) sanskrit maladvipa (= garland of islands) < mala (= garland) + dvipa (= island).

male < middle english male < old french masle (= masculine, male, adult) < latin masculus (= masculine, male), a diminutive of mas [gen. maris] (= male).

maleficent < latin maleficus (= wicked, vicious, criminal) < male (= badly) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

malfunction < mal- (< latin male (= badly)) + function.

malicious < middle english malicious < old french malicios (= spiteful, wicked) < latin malitiosus (= wicked, malicious) < malitia (= badness, ill will, spite) < malus (= bad, unpleasant).

mall < [The] Mall, a broad promenade in London < Maill [so called because it formerly was an open alley used to play pall-mall] < pall-mall, a game with a wooden ball < french pallemaille < italian pallamaglio < palla (= ball) + maglio (= mallet) (< latin malleus (= hammer, mallet)).

Malta < latin Melite < ancient greek Μελίτη | Melitē < (?) phoenician melita (= place of refuge) < malat (= he escaped).

mamma < a reduplication of I.E. *ma- (= mother) [baby-talk] {> french maman, welsh mam, latin mamma, ancient greek μαμμή | mammē, russian mama, persian mama}.

mammal < modern latin mammalia < mammalia, neuter plural of late latin mammalis (= of the breast) < latin mamma (= breast).

mammoth < russian mammo(n)t’ < (?) finno-ugric origin.

mammy < a diminutive of mam < mamma < a reduplication of I.E. *ma- (= mother) [baby-talk].

man < old english man(n) (= human being, person, brave man, hero) < proto-germanic *mann- {> old norse maðr, swedish man, danish mand, dutch man, gothic manna, german Mann} < I.E. *man-(1) (= man).

manage < old french manège (= horsemanship) < italian maneggio < maneggiare (= handle, touch, to control a horse) < latin manus (= hand) < I.E. *man-(2) (= hand).

Manchester < Mameceastre < celtic Mamucio < (?) *mamm (= breast, breast-like hill), + old english ceaster (= town, castle).

mandarin < portuguese mandarim / older dutch mandorijn < malay mantri < hindi mantra (= councilor, minister of state) < sanskrit mantri (= adviser) < mantra (= counsel) < I.E. *men-(1) (= to think).

mandolin < french mandoline < italian mandolino, a diminutive of mandola < late latin pandura (= three-stringed lute) < ancient greek πανδούρα | pandoura (= three-stringed musical instrument).

mandragora < mandrake / mondrake / mandragge < medieval latin mandragora < latin mandragoras < ancient greek μανδραγόρας | mandragoras < persian mardum gija (= plant of man).

maneuver < french manoeuvre (= manipulation, maneuver) < old french manovre (= manual labor) < medieval latin manuopera < manuopero [inf. manuoperare] (= work with the hands) < latin manu operor [inf. operari] < manu, ablative of manus (= hand) + operor [inf. operari] (= to work).

manga < japanese manga (= cartoon, caricature) [1984].

mango < portuguese manga < malay mangga < tamil mankay < man (= mango tree) + kay (= fruit).

maniac < french maniaque < late latin maniacus < ancient greek μανιακός | maniakos < μανία | mania (= madness, frenzy, enthusiasm, fury) < μαίνομαι | maenomae (= rage, go mad).

manicure < french manicure < latin manus (= hand) + cura (= care).

manifest < middle english manifest < old french manifest (= evident, palpable) < latin manifestus (= apprehensible, apparent, evident) < (?) manus (= hand) + -fendo [inf. -fendere] (= hit, press).

Manila < tagalog may (= there is) + nila (= a kind of indigo).

manipulation < french manipulation < manipule (= handful) < latin manipulus (= handful, sheaf, bundle) < manus (= hand) + pleo [inf. plere] (= to fill).

mannequin < french mannequin < dutch manneken (= little man, human model for artists) < a diminutive of middle dutch man < proto-germanic *manwaz < I.E. *man-(1) (= man).

manner < middle english manere (= kind, sort, variety) < anglo-french manere / old french maniere (= fashion, method, manner) < vulgar latin *manaria < latin manuaria, female of manuarius (= belonging to the hand) < manus (= hand) < I.E. *man-(2) (= hand).

manometer < french manomètre < ancient greek μανός | manos (= thin, rare, loose, porous) + -mètre (< ancient greek μέτρον | metron (= meter)).

mansion < middle english mansion (= chief residence of a lord) < old french mansion (= house, habitation, home, mansion) < latin mansio [gen. mansionis] (= a staying, a remaining) < maneo [inf. manere] (= to stay, abide) < I.E. *men-(3) (= to remain).

manual < middle english manual (= handbook for a priest) < old french manuel (= handbook) < late latin manuale (= cover of a book, handbook) < manuale, neuter of latin manualis (= belonging to the hand) < manus (= hand) < I.E. *man-(2) (= hand).

Manuel < a shortening of Emmanuel < ancient greek Εμμανουήλ | Emmanouēl < hebrew ‘Immanu’el (= God with us) < ‘immanu (= with us) (< ‘im (= with)) + El (= God).

manufacture < middle french manufacture < medieval latin *manufactura (= a making by hand) < latin manu, ablative of manus (= hand) + factura (= a working) (< facio [inf. facere] (= make, do)).

manuscript < medieval latin manuscriptum < latin manu scriptum (= written by hand) < manu, ablative of manus (= hand) + scriptum, neuter past participle of scribo [inf. scribere] (= to write).

many < middle english mani / manige (= many, much) < old english monig / manig < proto-germanic *managaz < (?) I.E. *menegh- (= copious).

map < a shortening of [middle english mapemounde (= map of the world) / middle french mappe, a shortening of old french mapemonde (= map of the world)] < medieval latin mappa mundi (= map of the world) < latin mappa (= napkin, tablecloth) + mundi, genitive of mundus (= world).

maple < middle english mapel < old english mapultreow (= maple tree) / mapolder / mapuldre < proto-germanic *maplo-.

maquette < french maquette < italian macchietta (= speck), a diminutive of macchia (= spot) < macchiare (= to stain) < latin maculo [inf. maculare] (= make spotted, speckle) < macula (= spot, stain).

maraschino < italian maraschino < amarasca < amaro (= bitter) < latin amarus (= sour).

marathon < marathon [race] (1896, in Athens) < ancient greek Μαραθών | Marathōn (= fennel field) [a plain near Athens (42 km.), from where the messanger Φειδιππίδης | Phoedippidēs ran to Athens to announce the victory of Greeks against Persians in the battle of Marathon, in 490 B.C., and then exhausted he lied dead] < μάραθον | marathon (= fennel).

marble < middle english marble < marbra < old french marbre < latin marmor < ancient greek μάρμαρον | marmaron (= marble) < μάρμαρος | marmaros < μαρμαίρω | marmaerō (= to shine, sparkle).

Marcella < latin Marcella, female of Marcellus, a diminutive of Marcus < (?) Mars [gen. Martis], the god of war.

March < middle english March < anglo-french marche / old french marz < latin Martius [mensis] (= [month] of Mars) < Mars [gen. Martis], the god of war.

march (= parade) < middle english march < old french marcher (= stride, walk, march) < 1. frankish *markon or 2. (?) gallo-roman *markare < latin marcus (= hammer).

march (= frontier) < middle english march < old french marche (= boundary, frontier) < frankish *marka < proto-germanic *markō < I.E. *merg- (= boundary, border).

Marcus < latin Marcus < (?) Mars [gen. Martis], the god of war.

mare < old english me(a)re / myre, female of mearh (= horse) < proto-germanic *marhijo- (= female horse).

Margaret < middle english Margaret < old french Margaret < late latin Margarita (= pearl) < ancient greek μαργαρίτης [λίθος] | margaritēs [lithos] (= pearl [stone]).

margarine < french margarine < [acide] margarique (= margaric [acid]) < margarique (= pearly) < ancient greek μαργαρίτης [λίθος] | margaritēs [lithos] (= pearl [stone]).

margin < middle english margin < old french margin < latin margo [gen. marginis] (= edge, border).

marijuana < mariguan [by influence of spanish Maria Juana (= Mary Jane)] < mexican-spanish marihuana.

marina < spanish / italian marina (= shore, coast) < latin marinus (= of the sea, maritime) < mare [gen. maris] (= sea, seawater) < I.E. *mori- (= body of water).

marine < middle english marine < old french marin (= of the sea, maritime) < latin marinus (= of the sea) < mare [gen. maris] (= sea, seawater) < I.E. *mori- (= body of water).

marionette < french marionette < a diminutive of old french mariole (= little Mary, figurine, picture of the Virgin Mary), a diminutive of Marie < latin Maria < ancient greek Μαριάμ, Μαρία | Mariam, Maria < aramaic Maryam < hebrew Miryam (= (?) rebellious).

marital < french maritale < latin maritalis (= belonging to married) < maritus (= married man).

mark < old english me(a)rc (= boundary, limit, landmark) < proto-germanic *markō < I.E. *merg- (= boundary, border).

Mark < Marcus < latin Marcus < (?) Mars [gen. Martis], the god of war.

market < middle english market < old french market (= marketplace, trade, commerce) < latin mercatus (= trading, market) {> italian mercato, spanish mercado, dutch markt, german Markt} < mercatus, past participle of merco [inf. mercari] (= trade, deal in, buy) < merx [gen. mercis] (= wares, merchandise) < italic *merk- < (?) etruscan origin.

Marlborough < Marl-borough (= (?) Mærla’s barrow).

Marley < old english mære (= boundary, landmark) + leah (= open field, meadow).

marmalade < middle french marmelade < portuguese marmelada (= quince jelly, marmalade) < marmelo (= quince) < latin melimelum (= sweet apple) < ancient greek μελίμελον | melimelon < μέλι | meli (= honey) + μήλον | mēlon (= apple, fruit).

marmot < french marmotte < romansch (of Swiss) murmont < latin murem montis (= mountain mouse) < murem, accusative of mus [gen. muris] (= mouse) + montis, genitive of mons (= mountain).

maroon < french [couleur] marron (= [color] of chestnut).

marry < middle english marien < old french marier (= get married, give in marriage) < latin marito [inf. maritare] (= to wed, marry, give in marriage) < maritus (= married man).

Mars < middle english Mars < latin Mars [gen. Martis], the god of war.

Marseilles < french Marseille < ancient greek Μασσαλία | Massalia < (?) ligurian mas (= spring).

marshal < middle english marshal (= high officer of the royal court) < old french mareschal (= stable officer, groom, commanding officer of an army) < frankish *marhskalk (= horse-servant) < proto-germanic compound of *markhaz (= horse) + *skalkaz (= servant).

mart < middle english mart (= market, market place) < market [(?) by influence of middle dutch markt] < latin mercatus (= trading, market) < mercatus, past participle of merco [inf. mercari] (= trade, deal in, buy) < merx [gen. mercis] (= wares, merchandise) < italic *merk- < (?) etruscan origin.

Martha < ancient greek Μάρθα | Martha < aramaic Maretha (= lady, mistress), female of mar(a) (= lord, master).

martial < middle english martial < medieval latin martialis (= of Mars, of war) < latin Mars [gen. Martis], the god of war.

Martin < latin Martinus, a derivative of Mars [gen. Martis], the god of war.

martyr < old english martyr < late latin martyr < ancient greek μάρτυς | martys [gen. μάρτυρος | martyros) (= witness, martyr).

marvel < middle english merivelle (= miracle, wonderful story) < old french merveille (= a wonder, surprise, miracle) < vulgar latin *miribilia {> spanish maravilla, portuguese maravilha, italian maraviglia} < latin mirabilia (= wonderful things) < mirabilia, neuter plural of mirabilis (= wonderful, marvelous) < mirror [inf. mirari] (= to wonder at) < mirus (= wonderful).

Mary < old english Maria / Marie < latin Maria < ancient greek Μαριάμ, Μαρία | Mariam, Maria < aramaic Maryam < hebrew Miryam (= (?) rebellious).

mascara < spanish mascara (= stain, mask) < medieval latin masca (= mask, specter, nightmare).

mascot < french mascotte (= sorcerer’s charm, good luck piece) < (?) provençal mascoto (= sorcery, fetish) < masco (= witch) < old provençal masca < (?) medieval latin masca (= mask, specter, nightmare).

masculine < middle english masculine < old french masculin (= of the male sex) < latin masculinus (= of masculine gender) < masculus (= male, masculine), a diminutive of mas [gen. maris] (= male).

mash < old english *masc (= mash-wort) < proto-germanic *maisk- < (?) I.E. *meik- (= to mix).

mask < middle french masque < italian maschera < medieval latin masca (= mask, specter, nightmare).

masochism < german Masochismus < [Leopold von Sacher]-Masoch, Austrian writer [who described it in his novels].

mason < middle english masoun (= stoneworker, builder in stone) < old french masson / maçon (= stone mason) < frankish *makjo < I.E. *mag- (= to knead, fashion, fit).

masquerade < french mascarade / spanish mascarada (= masked dance) < italian mascarata < mascherata (= masquerade) < maschera < medieval latin masca (= mask, specter, nightmare).

mass < middle english mass < old french masse (= lump, heap, crowd) < latin massa (= kneaded dough, lump) < (?) ancient greek μάζα | maza (= barley cake, lump, mass) < μάσσω | massō (= to knead, push).

Massachusetts < algonquian Massachusett (= at the large hill), the Great Blue Hill, southwest of Boston.

massacre < middle french massacre (= wholesale slaughter, carnage) < old french macacre / macecle (= slaughterhouse, butchery) < (?) related to latin macellum (= butcher shop).

massage < french massage (= friction of kneading) < masser (= to massage) < (?) 1. arabic massa (= to touch, feel, handle) or 2. portuguese amassar (= to knead) < latin massa (= kneaded dough, lump) < (?) ancient greek μάζα | maza (= barley cake, lump, mass) < μάσσω | massō (= to knead, push).

mast < old english mæst < proto-germanic *mastaz < I.E. *mazdo- (= pole, rod).

master < old english mægester (= chief, teacher) < latin magister [gen. magistris] (= chief, director, teacher) {> portuguese mestre, spanish maestro, italian maestro, french maître, dutch meester, german Meister} < a contrastive of magis (= more) < I.E. *mag-yos-, comparative of *meg- (= great).

matador < spanish matador (= killer) < matar (= kill) < (?) latin macto [inf. mactare] (= honor by sacrifice, kill).

match (= stick for striking fire) < middle english macche (= wick of oil lamp) < old french meiche (= wick of oil lamp) < vulgar latin *mica / *miccia < (?) latin myxa < ancient greek μύξα | myxa (= mucus, wick top of oil lamp) [because the wick of oil lamp seems mucous] < I.E. *meug- (= slimy, slippery).

match (= one of a pair) < middle english macche < old english mæcca (= companion, mate, one of a pair, equal) < gemæcca < proto-germanic *gamakon (= fitting well together) < [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + I.E. *mag- (= to knead, fashion, fit).

mate (= to checkmate) < middle english mate < old french mater (= to checkmate, defeat) < mat (= checkmated). < [eschec] mat (= [check] mate) < arabic [shah] mat (= [king] dead) < persian shah (= king, shah) + mat (= he is dead).

mate (= comrate) < middle english mate (= associate, fellow, comrade) < middle low german (ge)mate (= messmate) < proto-germanic *ga-matjon (= having food together) < [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + *matiz (= have food).

material < middle english material (= real, ordinary, earthly) < old french material / materiel < late latin materialis (= belonging to matter) < latin materia (= matter, stuff, wood) < mater (= mother, origin, source).

maternal < middle english maternal < old french maternel < vulgar latin *maternalis < latin maternus (= of a mother, maternal) < mater (= mother, origin, source).

mathematic < middle english mathematik < old french mathematique < latin mathematica [plural] < ancient greek μαθηματική [τέχνη] | mathēmatikē [tekhnē] (= mathematical [art]) < μαθηματική, feminine of μαθηματικός | mathēmatikos (= pertaining to learning, relating to mathematics, scientific) < μάθημα | mathēma [gen. μαθήματος | mathēmatos] (= lesson, knowledge, mathematical knowledge) < μανθάνω | manthanō (= learn).

Matilda < french Mathilde < old high german Mahthilda < mahti (= might, power) + hildi (= battle).

matrix < middle english matris / matrice (= uterus) < old french matrice (= womb, uterus) < latin mātrix [gen. matricis] (= pregnant, womb, origin) < mater [gen. matris] (= mother) < I.E. *mater- (= mother) {> latin māter, ancient greek μήτηρ | mētēr, old irish mathir, lithuanian motė, old church slavonic mati, sanskrit matar-}.

matron < middle english matrone (= married woman) < old french matrone (= married woman, elderly lady) < latin matrona (= married woman, wife, matron) < mater [gen. matris] (= mother).

matter < middle english materie (= the subject of a mental act) < anglo-french matere / old french matere (= subject, theme, topic, substance) < latin material (= substance, hard inner wood of a tree) < mater (= mother, origin, source).

Matterhorn < german Matte (= meadow, pastureland) + Horn (= horn).

Matthew < old french Mathieu < late latin Matthaeus < ancient greek Ματθαίος / Mat-thaeos < Ματταθίας | Mattathias < hebrew Mattathyah (= gift of God) < mattath (= gift) + Yah / Yoh, a shortening of Yahwah / Yahweh (= God).

Matthias < late latin Matthias < ancient greek Ματθίας | Mat-thias < Ματταθίας | Mattathias < hebrew Mattathyah (= gift of God) < mattath (= gift) + Yah / Yoh, a shortening of Yahwah / Yahweh (= God).

mattress < middle english materas < old french materas < italian materasso < medieval latin matracium < medieval arabic al-matrah (= the fallen) < al (= the) + [prefix] ma- + taraha (= he threw [down]).

mature < middle english maturen < latin maturo [inf. maturare] (= ripen, bring to maturity) < maturus (= ripe, timely, early).

Maurice < french Maurice < medieval latin Mauritius < Maurus < ancient greek Μαύρος | Mavros (= inhabitant of Mauretania, Moor).

Maximilian < latin Maximus + Aemilianus.

maximum < french maximum < latin maximum, neuter of maximus (= greatest), superlative of magnus (= great, large, big) < I.E. *mag-samo-, superlative of *meg- (= great).

Maxwell < middle english Maxwell (= (?) the well of Macc), a town < Macc(a) + well.

May < middle english Mai < old french Mai < latin Majus [mensis] (= [month] of Maja) < Maja, a goddess.

may < old english mæg (= I am able) < proto-germanic *mag- < I.E. *magh- (= be able, have power).

mayday < an englished spelling [1923] of french m’aider < a shortening of [venez] m’aider (= come, help me!).

mayonnaise < french mayonnaise < mahonnaise < Mahon, capital of Minorca.

mayor < middle english mair / meir < old french maire (= head of a city) < latin major, comparative of magnus (= great, large, big) < I.E. *mag-no- < *meg- (= great).

maze < middle english maze (= delusion, confusion of thought) < (?) old english *mæs < compound of amasod (= amazed) + amasian (= confound, confuse).

me < old english me(c) < proto-germanic *meke {> old norse mik / mer, dutch mij, gothic mik / mis, german mich / mir} < I.E. *me- {> old irish me, welsh mi, latin me, ancient greek (ε)μέ | (e)me, old church slavonic me, avestan mam, mihi, sanskrit avestan mam, mihi}.

meadow < old english mædwe < mæd (= meadow, pasture) < proto-germanic *medwo < I.E. *metwa- (= mown field) < *me-(4) (= cut down grass).

meal (= taking food) < middle english mēl (= occasion of taking food, a feast, time for eating) < old english mæl / mēl (= fixed time, occasion, meal) < proto-germanic *mela- < I.E. *me-lo- < *me-(2) (= to measure).

meal (= the edible part of grain) < middle english mēle < old english melu < proto-germanic *melwan (= grind) < I.E. *mele- (= to crush, grind).

mean (= intend, have in mind) < middle english mēnen < old english mænan (= intend, plan) < proto-west germanic *menjojanan < I.E. *meino- (= opinion, intent) < (?) *men-(1) (= to think).

mean (= shabby) < middle english mēne (= common, general) < imene < old english gemæne (= common, public, general) < proto-germanic *ga-mainiz (= possessed jointly) < [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + mainiz.

mean (= middle) < middle english mean < old french meien (= middle) < late latin medianus (= of the middle) < latin medius (= in the middle) < I.E. *medhyo- (= middle).

measure < middle english mesuren < old french mesurer (= measure, moderate) < late latin mensuro [inf. mensurare] (= to measure) < latin mensura (= a measuring) < mensus, past participle of metior [inf. metiri] (= to measure) < I.E. *me-(2) (= to measure).

meat < middle english mēte < old english mete (= food, animal food, fodder, meal) < proto-germanic *mati < I.E. *mad-i- < *mad- (= moist, wet).

Mecca < arabic Makkah < 1. arabic mahrab (= sanctuary) or 2. phoenician maqaq (= ruined).

mechanic < latin mechanicus (= of machine) < ancient greek μηχανικός | mēkhanikos (= an engineer) < μηχανή | mēkhanē (= device, tool, machine).

medal < middle french médaille < italian medaglia (= a medal) < 1. vulgar latin *metallea [moneta] (= metal [coin]) < latin metallum (= metal) < ancient greek μέταλλον | metallon (= metal) < μεταλλώ | metallō (= to seek after) < μετά άλλων [στοιχείων] | meta allōn [stoekhoeōn] (= with other [elements]) < μετά (= together) + άλλων, genitive plural of άλλος | allos (= other) or 2. vulgar latin *medalia < late latin medialia (= little halves [coins]), neuter plural of medialis (= of the middle) < latin medius (= in the middle, half).

medallion < french médaillon < italian medaglione (= large medal), an augmentative of medaglia (= medal) [see medal].

meddle < middle english meddle < old french medler (= to mix, mingle) < vulgar latin *misculo [inf. misculare] < latin misceo [inf. miscere] (= to mix).

media < (?) mass-media [1923] < media, plural of medium (= intermediate agency) < latin media, plural of medium (= middle).

mediate < latin mediatus, past participle of medio [inf. mediare] (= to halve, be in the middle) < latin medius (= middle).

medical < french médical < late latin medicalis (= of a physician) < latin medicus (= physician, surgeon) < medeor [inf. mederi] (= to cure, heal).

medicine < middle english medicine < old french medecine (= medicine, treatment) < latin medicina (= medicine, a remedy) < (?) ars medicina (= medical [art]) < medicina, female of medicinus (= of a physician) < medicus (= physician, surgeon) < medeor [inf. mederi] (= to cure, heal).

medieval < latin medium (= middle) + aevum (= age).

mediocre < middle french médiocre < latin mediocris (= moderate) < medius (= middle) + ocris (= jagged mountain, ice).

meditation < middle english meditacioun < old french meditacion (= thought, reflection) < latin meditatio (= a thinking over, meditation) < meditor [inf. meditari] (= meditate, think over).

Mediterranean < middle english Mediterranie < late latin Mediterraneum [mare] (= Mediterranean [sea]) < latin mediterraneus (= midland, in the middle of the earth) < medius (= middle) + terra (= land, earth).

medium < latin medium (= the middle, center, interval) < medium, neuter of medius (= in the middle) < I.E. *medhyo- (= middle).

medusa < middle english Medusa < ancient greek Μέδουσα | Medousa, a mermaid < μέδουσα, female present participle of μέδω | medō (= protect, rule over).

meet < middle english mēten < old english metan (= find out, fall in with, encounter) < proto-germanic *motjanan < I.E. *mod- (= meet, assemble).

melancholy < middle english melancolie < old french melancolie (= ill disposition) < late latin melancholia < ancient greek μελαγχολία | melagkholia (= black bile, sadness) < μέλας | melas [gen. μέλανος | melanos] (= black) + χολή | kholē (= bile) [as one of the regulator liquids of body and spirit functions].

Melanie < latin Melania < ancient greek μελανία | melania (= blackness) < μέλας | melas [gen. μέλανος | melanos] (= black).

Melissa < latin Melissa < ancient greek μέλισσα, μέλιττα | melissa, melitta (= honeybee) < μέλι | meli [gen. μέλιτος | melitos (= honey) < I.E. *melit- (= honey).

mellow < middle english melwe (= soft, sweet, juicy) < (?) merow (= soft, tender) < old english mearu (= soft, tender).

melody < middle english melodie < old french melodie (= music, song, tune) < late latin melodia (= a pleasant song) < ancient greek μελωδία | melōdia (= a singing, a choral song) < μέλος | melos (= part of song) + ωιδή | ōidē (= ode, song).

melon < middle english meloun < old french melon < medieval latin melo < latin melopepon, a kind of pumpkin < ancient greek μηλοπέπων | mēlopepōn (= gourd-apple) < μήλον | mēlon (= apple) + πέπων | pepōn, a kind of gourd.

melt < middle english melten < old english meltan (= become liquid through heat) < proto-germanic *meltanan < proto-germanic *gamaltijan < [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + I.E. *meldh- (< *mel-(1) (= soft)).

Melvin < old english Mælwine (= friend of the council) < mæl (= council) + wine (= friend).

member < middle english member < old french membre (= part, limb, member of the body) < latin membrum (= limb, member of the body) < I.E. *mems-ro < *mems- (= flesh, meat).

membrane < middle english membrane < latin membrana (= skin, membrane, parchment) < membrum (= limb, member of the body) < I.E. *mems-ro < *mems- (= flesh, meat).

meme < *mem-gene < ancient greek μιμούμαι | mimoumae (= to imitate) + gene (< german Gen < ancient greek γενεά | genea (= generation)).

memo < a shortening of memorandum (q.v.).

memorandum < middle english memorandum < latin memorandum, neuter of memorandus (= noteworthy), gerundive of memoro [inf. memorare] (= call to mind) < memor (= mindful).

memory < middle english memory < anglo-french memorie < latin memoria (= memory, remembrance) < memor (= mindful) < I.E. *(s)mer-(1) (= remember).

Memphis < ancient greek Μέμφις | Memphis < egyptian Mennefer (= his beauty) < men (= his) + nefer (= beauty) [as a reference to pharaoh Pepi I].

menace < middle english menace < old french menace (= threat) < vulgar latin minacia (= threat, menace) < minax [gen. minacis] (= threatening) < minor [inf. minari] (= threaten) < minæ (= threats).

menhir < french menhir < breton menhir (= long stone) < men (= stone) + hir (= long).

mental < middle english mental < late latin mentalis (= of the mind) < latin mens [gen. mentis] (= mind) < I.E. *men-(1) (= think).

mention < middle english mencioun < old french mencion (= mention, memory) < latin mentio (= a calling to mind, a speaking of) < old latin miniscor [inf. minisci] (= think).

mentor < ancient greek Μέντωρ | Mentōr, adviser of the son of hero Ulisses.

menu < french menu [de repas] (= list [of what is served at a meal]) < french menu (= small, detailed) < latin minutus, past participle of minuo [inf. minuere] (= to diminish) < minor, -or, minus (= smaller), comparative of parvus (= small).

Mercedes < spanish Mercedes < an abbreviation of [Maria de las] Mercedes (= [Mary of the] Mercies) < mercedes, plural of merced (= mercy, grace) < latin merces [gen. mercedis] (= pay, price, income) < merx [gen. mercis] (= merchandise).

merchant < middle english marchaunt < anglo-french marchaunt (= merchant, shopkeeper) < vulgar latin *mercatans (= buyer), present participle of *mercato [inf. mercatare] < latin mercor [inf. mercari] (= to trade, traffic, deal in).

Mercury < middle english Mercurie < latin Mercurius (= Mercury), the god of tradesmen < 1. merx [gen. mercis] (= merchandise) or 2. etruscan origin [by influence of merx].

mercury < middle english mercury < medieval latin mercurius [in astrology and alchemy, one of the 7 metals associated with the 7 heavenly bodies (Sun-gold, Moon-silver, Mercury-mercury, Venus-copper, Mars-iron, Jupiter-tin, Saturn-lead)] < latin Mercurius, the god of tradesmen [see Mercury], also, the planet Mercury.

mercy < middle english mercy < old french merci(t) (= reward, kindness, grace) < latin merces [gen. mercedis] (= pay, price, income) < merx [gen. mercis] (= merchandise).

merge < latin mergo [inf. mergere] (= dip, dip in, plunge).

meridian < middle english meridian < old french meridien (= midday) < latin meridianus (= of midday, of noon) < meridies (= noon, south) < meridie (= at noon) < pre-latin *medi die < medi, locative of medius (= middle) + dies (= day).

merit < middle english merit < old french merite (= pay, reward, merit) < latin meritum (= merit, service, benefit, favor) < meritum, neuter past participle of mereo [inf. merere] (= earn, deserve, acquire).

Merlin < old french merlin < welsh Myrddhin < old celtic *Mori-dunon (= of sea-hill) < *mori (= sea) + dunom (= hill).

mermaid < middle english meremayde (= maid of the sea) < mere (= sea, lake) + maid.

merry < middle english mirie < old english myrge (= pleasing, agreeable, pleasant) < proto-germanic *murgijaz < I.E. *mregh-u- (= short).

mesh < middle english mesche (= open space in a net) < (?) old english max (= net) < mæscre < proto-germanic *mask- < I.E. *mezg- (= to knit, twist).

mess < middle english mess < old french mes (= portion of food, course at dinner) < late latin missus (= a putting, course at dinner) < missus, past participle of mitto [inf. mittere] (= send, throw, put, place).

message < middle english message < old french message (= message, news) < medieval latin missaticum < latin missus (= a sending away, a throwing) < missus, past participle of mitto [inf. mittere] (= send, throw).

Messiah < middle english Messias < late latin Messias < ancient greek Μεσσίας | Messias < aramaic meshiha / hebrew mashiah (= the anointed) < mashah (= anoint).

metabolism < french métabolisme < ancient greek μεταβολή | metabolē (= a change) < μεταβάλλω | metaballō (= to change) < μετά | meta (= among, beyond) + βάλλω | ballō (= throw).

metal < middle english metal < old french metal < latin metallum (= metal, mineral, mine) < ancient greek μέταλλον | metallon (= metal, ore) < μεταλλώ | metallō (= to seek after) < μετά άλλων [στοιχείων] | meta allōn [stoekhoeōn] (= with other [elements]) < μετά (= among, beyond) + άλλων, genitive plural of άλλος | allos (= other).

metamorphosis < latin metamorphosis < ancient greek μεταμόρφωσις | metamorphōsis (= transformation) < μεταμορφώ | metamorphō (= transform) < μετά | meta (= among, beyond) + μορφή | morphē (= shape, form).

metaphor < middle french metaphore < latin metaphora < ancient greek μεταφορά | metaphora (= a transfer, a carrying over) < μεταφέρω | metapherō (= transfer, carry over) < μετά | meta (= among, beyond) + φέρω | pherō (= carry).

metaphysics < middle english metaphisik / methaphesik (= pertaining to the first causes of things) < medieval latin metaphysica < medieval greek μεταφυσικά | metaphysika, neuter plural of μεταφυσικός | metaphysikos < ancient greek [τα] μετά [τα] φυσικά [έργα] | [ta] meta [ta] physika [erga] (= [the] after [the] physics [writings]), title of Aristotle’s books [traditionally arranged after those on physics] < μετά | meta (= among, beyond) + φυσικά, neuter plural of φυσικός | physikos (= of the mature) (< φύσις | physis (= nature)).

meteor < middle english meteor < old french meteore < medieval latin meteorum [plural meteora] < ancient greek μετέωρα | meteōra (= the celestial phenomena) < μετέωρα, neuter plural of μετέωρος | meteōros (= hanging, raised from the ground) < μετά | meta (= among, beyond) + αίωρος | aeōros (= lifted, suspended) (< αείρω, αίρω | aoerō, aerō (= to raise, lift).

meteorology < french météorologie < ancient greek μετεωρολογία | meteōrologia (= study of the celestial phenomena) < μετέωρον | meteōron [see meteor] + -λογία | -logia (= study) (< λόγος | logos (= a speaking) < λέγω | legō (= speak)).

meter < french -mètre < latin metrum (= measure) / ancient greek μέτρον | metron (= measure).

method < middle english method < latin methodus (= way of teaching) < ancient greek μέθοδος | methodos (= a following after, scientific inquiry) < μετά | meta (= among, beyond) + ‘οδός | hodos (= way, method, system, manner).

Methusela(h) < middle english Methusela(h) < hebrew Metushelah (= man of the dart) < methim (= men) + shelah (= dart).

methylene < french méthylène < ancient greek μέθυ | methy (= wine) + ‘ύλη | hylē (= wood) + [suffix] -ene.

metric < ancient greek μετρική | metrikē (= of meter, prosody) < μετρική, female of μετρικός | metrikos (= of meter) < μέτρον | metron (= meter, verse).

Metro < french Metro [1904] < an abbreviation of [Chemin de Fer] Métropolitain (= Metropolitan [Railway]).

metronome < ancient greek μέτρον | metron (= measure) + νόμος | nomos (= rule, regulating) (< νέμω | nemō (= distribute, regulate)).

metropolitan < middle english metropolitan < late latin metropolitanus < ancient greek μητρόπολις | mētropolis (= parent state of a colony, capital city) < μήτηρ | mētēr [gen. μητρός | mētros] (= mother) + πόλις | polis (= city).

Mexico < spanish Mexico / Mejico < 1. nahuatl (of Aztec) mexihco or 2. nahuatl Mexicas, an Aztec tribe < (?) Metztlixihtlico (= in the middle of the moon).

Michael < late latin Michael < ancient greek Μιχαήλ | Mikhaēl < hebrew Mikha-el (= who is like God?).

Michigan < ojibwa *meshi-gami (= big lake).

microbe < french microbe (= short-lived) < ancient greek μικρός | mikros (= small) + βίος | bios (= life).

microphone < ancient greek μικρός | mikros (= small) + φωνή | phōnē (= sound).

microwave < ancient greek μικρός | mikros (= small) + wave.

middle < old english middel (= intermediate) < proto-west germanic *midla- {> dutch middel, old high german mittil, german mittel} < proto-germanic *medj < I.E. *medhyo- (= middle).

MIDI < an acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface [1983].

midnight < old english mid-niht / middre niht < mid(d) (= middle) + niht (= night) < proto-germanic *medja- + *nahts.

might < middle english might < old english miht < mæht (= strength, power, ability) < proto-germanic *makhti- < I.E. *magh- (= be able, have power).

migrate < latin migratus, past participle of migro [inf. migrare] (= move from one place to another).

Milan < latin Mediolanum < gaulish medios (= middle) + lanu (= plain).

mile < old english mil < west germanic *milja {> dutch mijl, old high german mila, german Meile} < latin milia, plural of mille (= a thousand).

military < middle english militari < old french militaire < latin militaris (= of soldier, of war, military) < miles [gen. militis] (= soldier).

milk < middle english milk < old english meoluc / milc < proto-germanic *meluk- (= milk) {> old norse mjolk, dutch melk, gothic miluks, german Milch} < *melk- (= to milk) < I.E. *melg- (= to wipe, to milk).

mill < middle english mille < old english mylen (= a mill) < late latin molina / molinum, female / neuter of molinus (= pertaining to a mill) < latin mola (= mill, millstone).

millennium < modern latin millennium < latin mille (= a thousand) + annus (= year).

million < middle english milioun < old french million < italian millione (= a great thousand), an augmentative of mille (= a thousand) < latin mille (= a thousand).

mime < middle english mime < french mime (= mimic actor) < latin mimus < ancient greek μίμος | mimos (= imitator, mimic actor).

mimosa < modern latin mimosa [so called because seems to mimic animal behavior, folding its leaves, when they are touched] < latin mimus (= mimic actor) < ancient greek μίμος | mimos (= imitator, mimic actor).

mind < middle english mynd < old english gemynd (= memory, remembrance) < proto-germanic *ga-mundiz < [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + I.E. *men-(1) (= to think).

mine (= of me) < old english min (= mine, my) < proto-germanic *minaz {> old norse minn, dutch mijn, gothic meins, german mein} < I.E. *me- (= me).

mine (= mineral tunnel) < middle english mine < old french mine (= vein, tunnel, mineral ore) < old celtic *meini-.

miniature < italian miniatura (= illumination of a manuscript, a small picture [by influence of latin minus (= smaller)]) < miniatura, past participle of miniare (= illuminate a manuscript) < latin minio [inf. miniare] (= paint red) < minium (= red lead) < iberian origin.

minimal < latin minimus (= smallest, least), superlative of parvus (= small).

minimum < latin minimum, neuter of minimus (= smallest, least), superlative of parvus (= small).

minion < middle english minion (= a darling) < old french mignon (= a favorite, darling) < mignot (= pretty, attractive) < (?) 1. celtic origin or 2. old high german origin.

minister < middle english minister < old french menistre (= servant, administrator) < latin minister [gen. ministry] (= servant, priest’s assistant) < minor, -or, minus (= smaller), comparative of parvus (= small) + [suffix] *-teros (= less).

Minnesota < dakota (of Siouan) mnisota (= cloudy water, milky water) < mni (= river, stream) + sota (= slightly clouded).

minor < middle english menour < latin minor, -or, minus (= smaller), comparative of parvus (= small).

mint (= coinage place) < middle english mint < old english mynet (= coin, coinage, money) < west germanic *munita < latin moneta (= mint, coinage, coinage place).

mint (a herb) < old english minte < west germanic *minta < latin ment(h)a (= mint) < ancient greek μίνθη | minthē.

minus < middle english minus < latin minus, neuter of minor (= smaller), comparative of parvus (= small).

minute < middle english minute < old french minut / medieval latin minuta (= minute of time, short note) < latin minuta (= small portion) < minuta, female past participle of minuo [inf. minuere] (= to diminish) < minor, -or, minus (= smaller), comparative of parvus (= small).

miracle < middle english miracle < old french miracle < latin miraculum (= object of wonder, marvelous event) < mirror [inf. mirari] (= to wonder at) < mirus (= wonderful).

mirage < french mirage < [se] mirer (= to be reflected) < latin mirror [inf. mirari] (= to wonder at) < mirus (= wonderful).

Miranda < latin Miranda, female gerundive of mirror [inf. mirari] (= to wonder at) < mirus (= wonderful).

mirror < middle english mirour < old french mireoir (= reflecting glass, observation, model) < miradoir < mirer (= look at, observe) < vulgar latin *miro [inf. mirare] (= look at) < latin mirror [inf. mirari] (= to wonder at) < mirus (= wonderful).

misery < middle english misery < old french misere (= misfortune, distress) < latin miseria (= wretchedness) < miser (= unhappy, wretched, pitiable).

misfortune < middle english misfortune (= unfortunate event) < old english mis- (= bad, wrong) (< proto-germanic *missa- (= astray)) + fortune.

misogyny < modern latin misogynia < ancient greek μισογυνία | misogynia (= woman-hating) < μισογύνης | misogynēs (= woman-hater) < μίσος | misos (= hatred) + γυνή | gynē (= woman).

miss (= young girl) < a shortening of middle english mistress < old french maistresse (= lover, housekeeper, governess, female teacher), female of maistre (= master) < latin magister [gen. magistris] (= chief, director, teacher), a contrastive of magis (= more).

miss (= fail) < old english missan (= fail to hit) < proto-germanic *missjan (= go wrong) < *missa- < I.E. *mei-(1) (= change, go, move).

missile < french missile < latin missilis (= that may be thrown) < missus, past participle of mitto [inf. mittere] (= send, throw).

mission < latin missio (= act of sending, a release) < mitto [inf. mittere] (= send, throw).

mist < old english mist (= fog) < proto-germanic *mikhstaz.

mistake < middle english mistake (= misunderstand, take in a wrong sense) < old english mis- (= bad, wrong) (< proto-germanic *missa- (= astray)) + take.

mister < middle english mister < master < old english mægester (= chief, teacher) < latin magister [gen. magistris] (= chief, director, teacher) < a contrastive of magis (= more).

mistral < french mistral < provençal mistral (= the dominant wind) < mistral (= dominant) < latin magistralis (= dominant) < magister [gen. magistris] (= chief, director, teacher), a contrastive of magis (= more).

mistress < middle english mistress < old french maistresse (= lover, housekeeper, governess, female teacher), female of maistre (= master) < latin magister [gen. magistris] (= chief, director, teacher), a contrastive of magis (= more).

Mitchell < middle english Mitchell < 1. Michael (< late latin Michael < ancient greek Μιχαήλ | Mikhaēl < hebrew Mikha-el (= who is like God?)) + 2. middle english mic(h)el / mycel (= big, great, long) (< proto-germanic *mekilaz).

mitre < middle english mitre (= bishop’s hat) < old french mitre < latin mitra (= headband) < ancient greek μίτρα | mitra (= headband, turban) < (?) I.E. *mei- (= to bind, attach).

mix < middle english myxte (= blended) < anglo-french mixte < latin mixtus, past participle of misceo [inf. miscere] (= to mix, mingle, blend) < I.E. *meik- (= to mix).

mnemonic < ancient greek μνημονικός | mnēmonikos (= of memory) < μνήμων | mnēmōn [gen. μνήμονος | mnēmonos) (= remembering, mindful) < μνήμη | mnēmē (= memory, remembrance) < μιμνήσκω | mimnēskō (= remember) < I.E. *men-(1) (= to think).

mobile < middle english mobile < old french mobile < latin mobilis (= movable, loose) < *movibilis < moveo [inf. movere] (= to move).

moccasin < algonquian makasin (= shoe) < *mockasin.

mocha < Mocha, port of Yemen [from which this coffee was exported].

mock < middle english mokken < old french mocquer (= deride, jeer) < (?) 1. vulgar latin *mucco [inf. muccare] (= blow the nose) < latin mucus (= slime) or 2. middle dutch mocken (= to mumble) or 3. middle low german mucken (= grumble).

mode < middle english mode < old french mode < latin modus (= measure, quantity, way, manner).

model < middle french modelle < italian modello (= model, mold) < vulgar latin *modellus < latin modulus (= small measure, standard), a diminutive of modus (= measure, quantity, way, manner).

modem < modulator-demodulator [1937].

moderate < middle english moderate < latin moderatus, past participle of moderor [inf. moderari] (= regulate, restrain, set a measure) < modus (= measure, quantity, way, manner).

modern < middle english modern < middle french moderne < late latin modernus (= modern) < latin modo (= just now, in a manner) < modo, ablative of modus (= measure, quantity, way, manner).

modest < middle french modeste < latin modestus (= moderate, gentle, temperate) < modus (= measure, quantity, way, manner).

modify < middle english modifien < old french modifier < latin modifico [inf. modificare] (= to limit, restrain) < modus (= measure, quantity, way, manner) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

module < middle french module < modulus (= small measure, standard), a diminutive of modus (= measure, quantity, way, manner).

Mohammed < arabic Muhammad (= praiseworthy), the prophet of Islam < hamida (= praise).

Mohican < algonquian ma:hi:kan (= people of the tidal estuary).

moist < middle english moist < old french moiste (= damp, wet, soaked) < (?) 1. vulgar latin *muscidus (= moldy, wet) < latin mucidus (= slimy, moldy) < mucus (= slime) or 2. latin musteus (= of the new wine) < mustum < [vinum] mustum (= new [wine]) < mustum, neuter of mustus (= new, fresh).

Moldavia < Moldova < romanian Moldova (= dark, darkish water, soiled), a river.

molecule < french molécule < modern latin molecula, a diminutive of latin moles (= mass, barrier) + [diminutive suffix] french -cule / latin -culus.

mollify < middle english mollifien < old french mollifier (= soften) / late latin mollifico [inf. mollificare] (= soften) < mollificus (= softening) < latin mollis (= soft) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

Moll(y) < Mary < old english Maria / Marie < latin Maria < ancient greek Μαριάμ, Μαρία | Mariam, Maria < aramaic Maryam < hebrew Miryam (= (?) rebellious).

Molotov (cocktail) < russian [Vyacheslav M.] Molotov, a Soviet minister [earlier, prompter of this glass bottle filled with flammable liquid] < molot (= hammer).

moment < middle english moment < old french moment (= moment, minute, importance) < latin momentum (= movement, short time) < *movimentum < moveo [inf. movere] (= to move).

momentum < latin momentum (= movement, short time) < *movimentum < moveo [inf. movere] (= to move).

mommy < american-english mommy < mamma < a reduplication of I.E. *ma- (= mother) [baby-talk] {> french maman, welsh mam, latin mamma, ancient greek μαμμή | mammē, russian mama, persian mama}.

monarchy < middle english monarchie < old french monarchie (= sovereignty) < late latin monarchia < ancient greek μοναρχία | monarkhia (= ruling of one, absolute rule) < μόνος | monos (= alone) + άρχω | arkhō (= rule).

monastery < middle english monasterie < old french monastere < late latin monasterium < ancient greek μοναστήριον | monastērion (= monastery) < μονάζω | monazō (= live alone) < μόνος | monos (= single, alone).

Monday < middle english monedai < old english mondæg < monandæg (= day of the moon) < mona (= moon) + dæg (= day) < proto-germanic *menon- (= moon) + *dages- (= day).

monetary < late latin monetarius (= pertaining to money) < latin moneta (= mint, coinage, coinage place).

money < middle english monie < old french monoie (= money, coin, currency) < latin moneta (= mint, coinage, coinage place) < Moneta, a title of goddess Juno [near whose temple the money was coined] < moneo [inf. monere] (= remind, advise, warn).

Mongol < mongolian Mongghol < mengu / mong(u) (= brave, untamed).

monitor < latin monitor (= overseer, guide, teacher) < moneo [inf. monere] (= remind, advise, warn).

monk < old english munuc < proto-germanic *muniko- {> middle dutch monic, old high german munih, german Mönch} < vulgar latin *monicus {> french moine, italian monaco, spanish monje} < late latin monachus (= monk) < ancient greek μοναχός | monakhos (= solitary, monk) < μόνος | monos (= single, alone).

monkey < (?) middle low german *moneke / middle dutch *monnekijn (= ape, monkey) < a diminutive of a romanic source < (?) arabic maimun (= monkey).

monoceros < middle english monoceros < old french monoceros (= unicorn) < latin monoceros < ancient greek μονόκερως | monokerōs < μόνος | monos (= single, alone) + κέρας | keras (= horn).

monocle < french monocle (= single eyeglass) < monocle (= blind in one eye) < late latin monoculus (= one-eyed) < ancient greek μόνος | monos (= single, alone) + latin oculus (= eye).

monologue < french monologue < ancient greek μονόλογος | monologos (= speaking alone, speaking to oneself) < μόνος | monos (= single, alone) + λόγος | logos (= speech) (< λέγω | legō (= speak)).

monophonic < ancient greek μόνος | monos (= single, alone) + φωνή | phōnē (= voice).

monoplane < ancient greek μόνος | monos (= single, alone) + aero-plane.

monopoly < latin monopolium < ancient greek μονοπώλιον | monopōlion (= right of exclusive sale) < μόνος | monos (= single, alone) + πωλώ | pōlō (= sell).

monotheism < ancient greek μόνος | monos (= single, alone) + θεός | theos (= god) + [suffix] -ism.

monotony < french monotonie < ancient greek μονοτονία | monotonia (= sameness of tone) < μονότονος | monotonos (= of one and the same tone) < μόνος | monos (= single, alone) + τόνος | tonos (= tone).

monsieur < french monsieur < mon sieur (= my lord) < mon (= my) + sieur (= lord), a shortening of seigneur (< latin senior (= older), a comparative of senex [gen. senecis] (= old) < seneo [inf. senere] (= be old)).

monster < middle english monstre < old french mo(n)stre (= monster) < latin monstrum (= bad omen, abnormal shape, monster, monstrosity) < moneo [inf. monere] (= remind, advise, warn).

montage < french montage (= a mounting) < old french monter (= go up, ascend, mount) < vulgar latin *monto [inf. montare] < latin mons [gen. montis] (= mountain).

Montana < spanish montaña (= mountain) < latin mons [gen. montis] (= mountain).

Monte Carlo < italian Monte Carlo (= Mountain of Charles) [named for Charles III of Monaco] < latin mons [gen. montis] (= mountain) + medieval latin Carolus (< middle high german Karl (= man, husband) < proto-germanic *karlon- (= man, husband)).

Montenegro < venetian Monte Negro (= black mountain), a translation of slavonic Crnagora < latin mons [gen. montis] (= mountain) + niger [gen. nigris] (= dark, black).

month < old english monað < proto-germanic *menoth- {> old norse manaðr, dutch maand, german Monat} < I.E. *me(n)ses- (= moon, month) {> latin mensis, ancient greek μην | mēn, breton miz, lithuanian menesis} < *me-(2) (= to measure).

Montmartre < latin Mons Martyrum (= Mount of Martyrs) < mons [gen. montis] (= mountain) + martyr (< ancient greek μάρτυς | martys [gen. μάρτυρος | martyros) (= witness, martyr)).

Montreal < french [Ville Marie de] Montréal < Mont Réal (= royal mountain) < latin mons [gen. montis] (= mountain) + regalis (= of the king) (< rex [gen. regis] (= king)).

monument < middle english monument < old french monument (= grave, tomb, monument) < latin monumentum (= memorial structure, monument, tomb) < moneo [inf. monere] (= remind, advise, warn).

mood < middle english mood < old english mod (= heart, mind, spirit, courage) < proto-germanic *mōda-.

moon < english mone < old english mona < proto-germanic *menon- {> old norse mani, danish maane, dutch maan, gothic mena, german Mond} < I.E. *me(n)ses- (= moon, month) {> old irish mi, welsh mis, ancient greek μήνη | mēnē, lithuanian menesis, old church slavonic meseci, armenian mis, sanskrit masah, avestan ma, persian mah} < *me-(2) (= to measure).

mooreeffoc < coffee-room […viewed from the inside upon a glass of external door (by author Charles Dickens)].

mop < middle english mappe < (?) walloon mappe (= napkin) < latin mappa (= napkin, tablecloth).

moppet < middle english moppe (= little child, baby doll) < (?) latin mappa (= napkin, tablecloth).

moral < middle english moral < old french moral < latin moralis (= pertaining to manners, proper social behavior) < latin mores (= customs, manners, morals), plural of mos [gen. moris] (= disposition).

moratorium < late latin moratorium, neuter of moratorius (= tending to delay) < latin moror [inf. morari] (= to delay) < mora (= pause, delay).

morbid < latin morbidus (= diseased) < morbus (= sickness, disease, illness).

more < old english mara (= greater, stronger), comparative of micel / mycel (= big, long) < proto-germanic *mekilaz < I.E. *meg- (= great).

morgue < french Morgue, a building in Paris [where bodies were exposed for identification].

morning < middle english morwenynge / moregeninge < morn / morewen + [suffix] -ing [on model of evening] < middle english morwen / morghen < old english margen < morgen (= morning, sunrise) < proto-germanic *murgana- (= morning) {> dutch morgen, gothic maurgins, german Morgen} < I.E. *merk- < (?) *mer- (= blink, twinkle).

Morocco < italian Morocco < berber Marrakesh, a city of Morroko < arabic Maghrib-al-Aqsa (= extreme west).

moron < modern latin moron < ancient greek μωρόν | mōron, neuter of μωρός | mōros (= foolish, dull, sluggish, stupid).

morphine < french morphine / german Morphin < latin Morpheus < ancient greek Μορφεύς | Morphefs, the god of sleep and dreams < μορφή | morphē (= form, shape, appearance).

morphology < german Morphologie < ancient greek μορφή | morphē (= form, shape, appearance) + -λογία | -logia (= study) (< λόγος | logos (= a speaking) < λέγω | legō (= speak)).

Morris < 1. Maurice < french Maurice < medieval latin Mauritius < Maurus < ancient greek Μαύρος | Mavros (= inhabitant of Mauretania, Moor) or 2. middle english Moorish < old french More < medieval latin Maurus < ancient greek Μαύρος | Mavros.

mortal < middle english mortal < old french mortel (= destined to die) < latin mortalis (= mortal, human) < mors [gen. mortis] (= death).

mortgage < middle english morgage < old french morgage / mort gaige (= dead pledge) [because the deal dies when the debt is paid] < mort (= dead) (< vulgar latin *mortus < latin mortuus, past participle of morior [inf. mori] (= die) < mors [gen. mortis] (= death)) + gage (= pledge, guaranty) (< frankish *wadja-).

mortify < middle english mortifien < old french mortefiier (= destroy, punish) < late latin mortifico [inf. mortificare] (= cause death, kill) < mortificus (= producing death) (< latin mors [gen. mortis] (= death)) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

Mortimer < Mortemer, a place in Normandy.

mortuary < middle english mortuarie < anglo-french mortuarie < medieval latin mortuarium, neuter of mortuarius (= pertaining to the dead) < latin mortuus, past participle of morior [inf. mori] (= die) < mors [gen. mortis] (= death).

mosaic < middle english mosaic < old french mosaicq < italian mosaico < medieval latin musaicum (= mosaic work [dedicated to Muses]) < musaicum, neuter of musaicus (= of the Muses, of art) < latin Musa < ancient greek Μούσα | Mousa (= Muse), the goddess of arts.

Moscow < russian Moskva, the river of this town < (?) slavonic moskva (= wet, marshy).

Moses < middle english Moises < latin Moises < ancient greek Μω(υ)σής | Mō(y)sēs < hebrew Moshe(h).

mosque < middle english moseak < mosquee < (?) middle french mosquée < italian moschea < moscheta < spanish mesquita < arabic masjid (= place of worship, temple) < ma- (= place) + sajada (= he worshipped).

mosquito < spanish mosquito (= little gnat), a diminutive of mosca (= fly) < latin musca (= a fly) < I.E. *mu- (= gnat, fly).

most < old english mast < mæst < proto-germanic *maistaz, superlative of proto-germanic *maiz < I.E. *meis- (= great, big).

Mosul < arabic al-Mawsul (= the joined) [in reference to a bridge of Tigris river].

motel < motor- + hotel.

mother < middle english moder < old english modor < proto-germanic *mōdēr (= mother) {> old norse moðir, danish moder, dutch moeder, german Mutter} < I.E. *mater- (= mother) {> old irish mathir, latin māter, ancient greek μήτηρ | mētēr, lithuanian mote, old church slavonic mati, sanskrit matar-} < I.E. *ma- (= mother) [baby-talk] + [suffix] *-ter-.

motion < middle english mocioun < old french mocion (= movement, motion, change) < latin motio (= a moving, motion, emotion) < moveo [inf. movere] (= to move).

motive < middle english motive < old french motif (= will, motivation) < motif (= moving) < medieval latin motivus (= moving, impelling) < latin motus, past participle of moveo [inf. movere] (= to move).

motley < middle english motley (= parti-colored, variegated in color) < anglo-french motteley.

motocross < [1956] motorcycle + cross-country.

motor < middle english motor (= one who imparts motion, controller) < late latin motor (= mover) < latin moveo [inf. movere] (= to move).

motorcycle < [1895] motor + bicycle (< bi- (< latin bis (= twice)) + cycle (< late latin cyclus < ancient greek κύκλος | kyklos (= circle, wheel))).

motto < italian motto (= a saying) < late latin muttum (= grunt, word) < latin muttio [inf. muttire] (= to mutter, murmur).

mount (= ascend) < middle english mounten (= get up on a horse, rise up, ascend) < old french monter (= go up, ascend, mount) < vulgar latin *monto [inf. montare] < latin mons [gen. montis] (= mountain).

mount(ain) < middle english mountain < old french montaigne < vulgar latin *montanea (= mountain) < *montanea, female of *montaneus (= mountainous) < latin montanus (= mountainous) < mons [gen. montis] (= mountain).

mouse < middle english mous < old english mus < proto-germanic *mus {> old norse mus, danish mus, dutch muis, german Maus} < I.E. *mus- {> latin mus, ancient greek μυς | mys, lithuanian muse, old church slavonic mysu, old persian mush, sanskrit mus}.

mousse < french mousse < old french mousse (= froth) < late latin mulsa (= mead) < latin mulsum (= honey wine, mead) < mulsum, neuter of mulsus (= mixed with honey) < I.E. *melit- (= honey)).

mouth < old english muþ < proto-germanic *muntha- {> old norse munnr, danish mund, dutch mond, german Mund}.

move < middle english meven < anglo-french mover / old french movoir (= to move) < latin moveo [inf. movere] (= to move) < I.E. *meue- (= push away).

movie < a shortening of moving picture.

Mozambique < portuguese Moçambique < arabic musa malik (= king Musa), a ruler.

mpg < an abbreviation of miles per gallon.

mph < an abbreviation of miles per hour.

MS < an abbreviation of latin Manu Scriptum (= written by hand, manuscript) < manu, ablative of manus (= hand) + scriptum, neuter past participle of scribo [inf. scribere] (= to write).

much < middle english much < middle english muchel (= large, tall, many) < old english micel / mycel (= big, long) < proto-germanic *mekilaz < I.E. *meg- (= great).

mud < middle english mudde (= moist, soft earth) < (?) middle low german mudde / middle dutch modde (= mud) < proto-germanic *mud-.

Muhammad < [Mohammed] < arabic Muhammad (= Praiseworthy), the prophet of Islam < hamida (= praise).

mujahidin < mujahideen < persian / arabic mujahideen, plural of mujahid (= one who fights in a jihad).

mule < old english mul / old french mul (= mule, hinny) < latin mulus (= mule) < proto-italic *musklo-.

multimedia < multi-media [1959] < multi- (< latin multus (= much, many) + media (< (?) mass-media < media, plural of medium (= intermediate agency) < latin media, plural of medium (= middle)).

multiply < middle english multeplien < old french multiplier / mouteplier < latin multiplico [inf. multiplicare] (= to increase) < multiplex [gen. multiplicis] (= having many folds, many times as great in number) < multus (= much, many) + -plex (= -fold).

multitude < middle english multitude < old french multitude < latin multitudo (= a great number, crowd, the common people) < multus (= many, much) + [suffix] -tudo.

mum < a shortening of mummy < mommy < mamma < a reduplication of I.E. *ma- (= mother) [baby-talk].

Munich < german München < Mönch (= monk) < proto-germanic *muniko- < vulgar latin *monicus < late latin monachus (= monk) < ancient greek μοναχός | monakhos (= solitary, monk) < μόνος | monos (= single, alone).

municipal < middle french municipal < latin municipalis (= of community) < municipium (= community, municipality) < municeps [gen. municipis] (= native, citizen) < munus (= service for the community, duty) + capio [inf. capere] (= take, hold).

mural < middle english mural (= of a wall) < latin muralis (= of a wall) < murus (= wall).

murder < middle english murdre < morþer < old english morðor (= secret killing) < proto-germanic *murthran {> old norse morð, dutch moord, german Mord} < I.E. *mer- (= rub away, harm).

murmur < middle english murmur < old french murmure (= murmur, trouble) < murmurer (= to murmur) < latin murmuro [inf. murmurare] (= to murmur) < murmur (= a hum, muttering) < (?) I.E. *mor-mor, of imitative origin.

Murphy < irish Murphy < gaelic Murchadh (= sea-warrior).

muscle < middle english muscle < latin musculus (= little mouse, muscle), a diminutive of mus [gen. muris] (= mouse).

Muse < middle english Muse < old french Muse < latin Musa < ancient greek Μούσα | Mousa (= Muse), the goddess of arts.

museum < latin museum (= library, study) < ancient greek μουσείον | moussοeon (= temple of the Muses, place of study, library, museum, school of art) < Μούσα | Moussa (= Muse), the goddess of arts.

mushroom < middle english muscheron / musseroun < anglo-french musherun / old french meisseron < (?) late latin mussirio.

music < middle english musike < old french musique < latin musica (= the art of music) < ancient greek μουσική [τέχνη] | moussikē [technē] (= [art] of the Muses) < μουσική, female of μουσικός | moussikos (= of the Muses, musical, educated) < Μούσα | Moussa (= Muse), the goddess of arts.

musketeer < musket (= firearm) (< middle french mousquette, a diminutive of mosca (= a fly) < latin musca (= a fly)) + [suffix] -eer.

Muslim < arabic muslim (= one who submits [to the faith]) < aslama (= he resigned).

must (= be obliged) < old english moste, past tense of motan (= have to, be able to) < proto-germanic *motanan.

must (= new wine) < old english must < latin mustum < [vinum] mustum (= new [wine]) < mustum, neuter of mustus (= new, fresh).

mustache < moustache < french moustache < italian mostaccio < medieval greek μουστάκιον | moustakion < a diminutive of ancient greek μύσταξ | mystax [gen. μύστακος | mystakos) (= upper lip, mustache).

mustang < mexican-spanish mestengo (= animal that strays) < spanish mestengo (= belonging to the mesta, wild, stray) < mesta, an association of cattle ranchers < latin mixta (= mixed), female past participle of misceo [inf. miscere] (= to mix).

mustard < middle english mustard < old french mostarde < moust (= must) < latin mustum < [vinum] mustum (= new [wine]) < mustum, neuter of mustus (= new, fresh).

mutation < middle english mutacioun < old french mutacion < latin mutatio (= a changing, alteration) < muto [inf. mutare] (= to change).

mute < middle english mewet (= silent) < old french muet (= dumb), a diminutive of mut < latin mutus (= speechless).

mutual < middle english mutual < old french mutuel < latin mutuus (= reciprocal, done in exchange).

myopia < modern latin myopia < ancient greek μυωπία | myōpia (= near-sightedness) < μύωψ | myōps (= near-sighted) < μύω | myō (= contract or shut the eyes) + *ωψ | ōps [gen. ωπός | ōpos) (= eye).

mystery < middle english misterie < anglo-french *misterie / old french mistere < latin mysterium (= secret rite, sacrament, secret thing) < ancient greek μυστήριον | mystērion (= secret rite) < μύστης | mystēs (= one who has been initiated) < μύω | myō (= shut the eyes) [because only initiates were allowed to see the famous secret rites in Eleusina (a town next to Athens)].

mystic < middle english mistike < old french mistique < latin mysticus (= mystical, of secret rites) < ancient greek μυστικός | mystikos (= secret, mystic, of secret rites) < μύστης | mystēs (= one who has been initiated) < μύω | myō (= shut the eyes).

myth < french mythe < modern latin mythus < ancient greek μύθος | mythos (= speech, story, tale, myth).

mythology < middle english < late latin mythologia < ancient greek μυθολογία | mythologia (= legendary lore) < μύθος | mythos (= story, tale, myth) + -λογία | -logia (= study) (< λόγος | logos (= a speaking) < λέγω | legō (= speak)).

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