v

vacation < middle english vacation < old french vacacion (= vacancy) < latin vacatio (= leisure, freedom, exemption) < vaco [inf. vacare] (= be empty, be free).

vaccination < vaccine (= pertaining to cows) < latin vaccinus (= from cows) < vacca (= cow).

vacillation < middle english vacillation < latin vacillatio (= a reeling, wavering) < vacillo [inf. vacillare] (= waver, hesitate).

vacuous < latin vacuus (= empty, void, free).

vagabond < middle english vagabond < vacabond < old french vagabond / vacabond (= wandering, unsteady) < late latin vagabundus (= wandering) < latin vagor [inf. vagari] (= wander) < vagus (= wandering) + [suffix] -bundus.

vagary < italian vagare / latin vagor [inf. vagari] (= wander) < vagus (= wandering).

vagina < modern latin vagina < latin vagina (= sheath, hull, husk).

vagrant < middle english vagrant < (?) anglo-french vageraunt / wa(l)crant < old french walcrer (= to wander) < frankish *walken.

vague < middle french vague (= empty, vacant, wild) < latin vagus (= wandering).

vail < middle english vail (= be of use, be of service) < old french vail < valoir (= to be of value) < latin valeo [inf. valere] (= be strong, be well, be worth).

vain < middle english vain < old french vain / vein (= worthless, void, invalid) < latin vanus (= empty, void, free).

vair < middle english vair < old french vair (= fur garments) < latin varius (= varied, spotted, different).

valance < middle english valance < (?) anglo-french *valaunce / valence < valer (= go down) < old french avaler (= descend, go down).

valediction < latin valedico [inf. valedicere] (= bid farewell, take leave) < vale (= farewell!), imperative of valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong) + dico [inf. dicere] (= say).

valence < middle english valence < latin valentia (= strength, capacity) < valens, present participle of valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong).

Valencia < spanish Valencia < latin Valentia [Edetanorum] (= fort [of the Edetani]) < valentia (= strength, capacity) < valens, present participle of valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong).

Valentine < middle english Valentine < late latin Valentinus < latin valentia (= strength, capacity) < valens, present participle of valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong).

valerian < middle english valerian < old french valeriane < latin Valerianus < Valerius < valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong).

Valerie < french Valerie < latin Valeria, female of Valerius < valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong).

valet < middle english valet < old french valet < vaslet (= squire, young man, man’s servant) < gallo-roman *vassellittus (= young nobleman, squire) < a diminutive of medieval latin vassallus < vassus (= servant) < old celtic *wasso- (= young man, squire).

valetudinarian < valetudinary < latin valetudinarius < valetudo (= state of health) (< valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong)) + [suffix] -tudo.

Valhalla < old norse Valhöll (= hall of the battle-slain) < valr (= those slain in battle) + höll (= hall).

valiant < middle english valiant < anglo-french vaylant / old french vaillant (= brave) < valoir (= be worthy) < latin valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong).

valid < middle french valide < latin validus (= strong, active) < valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong).

valise < middle french valise < italian valigia.

Valkyrie < old norse valkyrja (= chooser of the slain) < valr (= those slain in battle) + kyrja (= chooser).

valley < middle english valley < anglo-french valey / old french valee (= valley) < vulgar latin *vallata < latin vallis (= valley).

valor < middle english valor < old french valor / valour (= valor, merit, virtue) < late latin valor (= value, worth) < latin valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong).

value < middle english value < old french value (= worth, price, moral) < valoir (= be worth) < latin valeo [inf. valere] (= be well, be strong).

valve < middle english valve < latin valva (= section of a revolving door).

vamp < anglo-french *vaumpé < old french avantpié (= vamp of a shoe) < avant (= in front) + pié (= foot) (< latin pes (= foot)).

vampire < french vampire / german Vampir < hungarian vampir < old church slavonic opiri < (?) tatar ubyr (= witch).

van (= front part of an army) < a shortening of vanguard < middle english vaunt garde < middle french avant-garde < avant (= in front, before) (< late latin abante < ab (= from) + ante (= before)) + garde (= guard) (< frankish *wardon < proto-germanic *wardon (= to guard)).

van (= covered truck) < a shortening of caravan < middle french caravane < old french car(e)vane / medieval latin caravana < arabic qairawan < persian karwan (= group of desert travelers).

vandal < Vandal < latin Vandalus, a Germanic tribe [having the reputation of willful desecration or destruction] < (?) proto-germanic *wandljaz (= wanderer).

vane < middle english vane < fane (= flag, banner).

Vanessa < a pseudonym for Esther Vanhomrigh, a close friend of author Jonathan Swift [who coined it by rearranging the syllables and published it in his poem “Cadenus and Vanessa”].

vanguard < middle english vaunt garde < middle french avant-garde < avant (= in front, before) (< late latin abante < ab (= from) + ante (= before)) + garde (= guard) (< frankish *wardon < proto-germanic *wardon (= to guard)).

vanilla < spanish vainilla, a diminutive of vaina (= sheath) < latin vagina (=sheath, hull, husk).

vanish < middle english vanish < old french esvanir (= disappear) < vulgar latin *exvanio [inf. exvanire] (= disappear) < latin evanesco [inf. evanescere] (= disappear) < ex (= out) + vanesco [inf. vanescere] (= vanish) (< vanus (= empty)).

vanity < middle english vanity < old french vanite (= futility) < latin vanitas (= emptiness, vainglory) < vanus (= empty).

vanquish < middle english vanquish < old french veintre (= to defeat) < latin vinco [inf. vincere] (= to overcome, conquer).

vapid < latin vapidus (= flat, insipid).

vapor < middle english vapor < anglo-french vapour / old french vapor (= moisture, vapor) < latin vapor (= warm exhalation, steam, heat).

variant < middle english variant < old french variant < latin varians [gen. variantis], present participle of vario [inf. variare] (= to change) < latin varius (= changing, different).

various < middle english various < middle french varieux < latin varius (= changing, different).

varnish < middle english varnish < old french vernis (= varnish) < medieval latin vernix (= odorous resin) < (?) ancient greek βερενίκη | berenikē < Βερενίκη | Berenikē, a city in Libya [with the first use of varnishes] < Βερενίκη | Berenikē, a queen of Egypt < φέρω | pherō (= bring) + νίκη | nikē (= victory).

vary < middle english vary < old french variier (= be changed, go astray, alter) < latin vario [inf. variare] (= to change) < latin varius (= changing, different).

vascular < modern latin vascularis (= pertaining to vessels) < latin vasculum (= small vessel), a diminutive of vas [gen. vasis] (= container, vessel).

vase < middle english vase < old french vas(e) (= receptacle, container) < latin vas [gen. vasis] (= container, vessel).

vaseline < vas- (< german Wasser (= water)) + el- (< ancient greek έλαιον | elaeon (= oil)) + [suffix] -ine.

vassal < middle english vassal < old french vassal (= subordinate, servant) < medieval latin vassallus (= manservant, domestic) < vassus (= servant) < old celtic *wasso- (= young man, squire).

vast < middle french vaste < latin vastus (= immense, extensive, huge).

vat < middle english vat < old english fæt (= container, vat) < proto-germanic *fatan.

vaudeville < french vaudeville [by influence of ville (= town)] < middle french vaudevire < 1. [chanson du] Vau de Vire (= [song of] valley of Vire) < vau (= valley) + de (= of) + Vire, a region of Normandy or 2. middle french vauder (= to go) + virer (= to turn).

Vaughan < welsh fychan < bychan (= small).

vault (= arched roof) < middle english vaute < old french voute (= arch, vaulting) < vulgar latin *volta < *volvita, female of *volvitus (= arched) < latin volutus, past participle of volvo [inf. volvere] (= to turn, roll).

vault (= jump over) < middle french volter (= to leap) < italian voltare (= to turn) < vulgar latin *volvito [inf. volvitare] (= to turn, leap) < latin volvo [inf. volvere] (= to turn, roll).

vaunt < middle english vaunt < anglo-french vaunter / old french vanter (= to praise) < medieval latin vanito [inf. vanitare] (= to boast) < latin vano [inf. vanare] (= to say empty words) < vanus (= empty).

VCR < [1971] an acronym of Video-Cassette Recorder.

veal < middle english veal < anglo-french vel / old french veel (= calf) < vedel < latin vitellus (= little calf), a diminutive of vitulus (= calf).

vector < latin vector (= carrier) < veho [inf. vehere] (= carry, convey).

Veda < sanskrit veda (= knowledge, sacred knowledge) < I.E. *weid- (= to see).

vegan < [1944] vegetarian < vegetable + [suffix] -arian.

vegetable < middle english vegetable < old french vegetable (= living, fit to live) < medieval latin vegetabilis (= growing) < late latin vegetabilis (= animating, enlivening) < latin vegeto [inf. vegetare] (= to enliven) < vegetus (= vigorous, enlivened, active) < vegeo [inf. vegere] (= be alive, be active).

vegetarian < [1839] vegetable + [suffix] -arian.

vehement < middle english vehement < middle french ve(h)ement (= impetuous, ardent) < latin vehemens [gen. vehementis] (= impetuous, eager, violent) < (?) veho [inf. vehere] (= carry, convey).

vehicle < french véhicule < latin vehiculum (= vehicle, carriage, conveyance) < veho [inf. vehere] (= carry, convey).

veil < middle english veil < anglo-french / old french veil (= head-covering, sail, curtain) < latin velum (= sail, curtain, covering).

vein < middle english vein < old french veine (= vein, artery, pulse) < latin vena (= blood vessel, water course).

vellum < middle english vellum < old french velin (= parchment from calfskin) < veel (= calf) < vedel < latin vitellus (= little calf), a diminutive of vitulus (= calf).

velocipede < french vélocipède < latin velox [gen. velocis] (= swift, speedy) + pes [gen. pedis] (= foot).

velocity < middle english velocity < latin velocitas (= swiftness, speed) < velox [gen. velocis] (= swift, speedy).

velour < velure / velours < french velours (= velvet) < old french velor < velos (= velvet) < old provençal velos < latin villosus (= shaggy, hairy) < villus (= shaggy hair, tuft of hair).

velum < latin velum (= sail, curtain, covering).

velvet < middle english velvet < (?) old provençal veluet < vulgar latin *villutittus, a diminutive of *villutus (= velvet) < latin villus (= shaggy hair, tuft of hair).

venal < french vénal / old french venel (= for sale) < latin venalis (= for sale, to be sold) < venum (= for sale).

vend < latin vendo [inf. vendere] (= to sell, praise, cry up) < venumdo [inf. venumdare] (= offer for sale) < venum (= for sale) + do [inf. dare] (= give).

vendetta < italian vendetta (= a feud, blood feud) < latin vindicta (= vengeance, revenge) < (?) vim dico (= show authority) < vim, accusative of vis (= force) + dico [inf. dicare] (= proclaim) (< dico [inf. dicere] (= say)).

veneer < german Furnier < furnieren (= to cover with a veneer, inlay) < french fournir (= to furnish, accomplish) < middle french fornir (= to furnish) < germanic source.

venerate < latin veneratus, past participle of veneror [inf. venerari] (= to reverence, worship) < venus [gen. veneris] (= beauty, love, desire).

venereal < middle english venereal < latin venereus / venerius (= of sexual love) < venus [gen. veneris] (= beauty, love, desire).

Venetian < middle english Venetian < medieval latin Venetianus < Venetia < Veneti, a people of Illyrian origin.

Venezuela < spanish Venezuela, a diminutive of Venecia (= Venice) [a name given by Spanish sailors, when they saw a village built on piles on lake Maracaibo] < medieval latin Venetia < Veneti, a people of Illyrian origin.

vengeance < middle english vengeance < anglo-french vengeaunce / old french vengeance (= revenge) < vengier (= take revenge) < latin vindico [inf. vindicare] (= avenge, vindicate) < (?) vim dico (= show authority) < vim, accusative of vis (= force) + dico [inf. dicare] (= proclaim) (< dico [inf. dicere] (= say)).

venial < middle english venial < old french venial (= excusable) < late latin venialis (= pardonable) < latin venia (= forgiveness, favor).

Venice < medieval latin Venetia < Veneti, a people of Illyrian origin.

venom < middle english venim / venym < anglo-french / old french venim / venin (= poison, malice) < vulgar latin *venimen < latin venenum (= drug, poison).

venous < latin venosus (= full of veins) < latin vena (= blood vessel, water course).

vent < middle english vent < (?) aventer (= expose oneself to the air) < old french eventer (= let out, expose to air) < vulgar latin *exvento [inf. exventare] (= expose to air) < latin ex (= out) + ventus (= wind).

ventilate < middle english ventilate < latin ventilatus, past participle of ventilo [inf. ventilare] (= to brandish, toss in the air, fan) < ventulus (= a breeze), a diminutive of ventus (= wind).

ventral < french ventral / late latin ventralis (= of the belly, of the stomach) < latin venter [gen. ventris] (= belly, stomach, womb).

ventriloquy < late latin ventriloquus < latin venter [gen. ventris] (= belly, stomach, womb) + loquor [inf. loqui] (= speak).

venture < middle english venture < middle english aventure < old french aventure (= chance, event) < latin adventura, female future participle of advenio [inf. advenire] (= come to) < ad (= to) + venio [inf. venire] (= come).

venue < middle english venue < old french venue (= coming) < venue, female past participle of venir (= to come) < latin venio [inf. venire] (= to come).

Venus < old english Venus < latin Venus, the goddess of beauty and love < venus [gen. veneris] (= beauty, love, desire).

Vera < latin Vera < vera, female of verus (= true).

veracious < latin verax [gen. veracis] (= according to truth, truthful) < verus (= true).

veranda < hindi varanda / baranda < (?) 1. persian bar amadah (= goes out) or 2. portuguese varanda (= long balcony).

verb < middle english verb < old french verbe (= word, saying) < latin verbum (= word, verb) < I.E. *were-(3) (= to speak).

verbatim < middle english verbatim < medieval latin verbatim (= word for word) < latin verbum (= word, verb) < I.E. *were-(3) (= to speak).

verbena < latin verbena (= leaves of olive, myrtle, laurel).

verbose < latin verbosus (= full of words, wordy) < verbum (= word, verb) < I.E. *were-(3) (= to speak).

verdant < middle french virdeant, present participle of old french verdeiier (= become green) < vulgar latin *viridio [inf. viridiare] (= grow green) < latin viridis (= green).

verdict < middle english verdit < anglo-french verdit (= sworn testimony, affidavit, judgment) < ve(i)r (= true) + dit, past participle of dire (= to say).

verdigris < middle english vertegrez < old french verte grez / verte de Grece (= green of Greece) < french verd < latin viridis (= green).

verdure < middle english verdure < old french verdure (= greenness, greenery) < verd < vert (= green) < latin viridis (= green).

verge < middle english verge < old french verge (= twig, branch, measuring rod) < latin virga (= shoot, rod, stick).

veridical < latin veridicus (= truth-telling, truthful) < verum, neuter of verus (= true) + dico [inf. dicere] (= speak).

verify < middle english verify < old french verifier (= find out the truth) < medieval latin verifico [inf. verificare] (= make true) < latin verus (= true) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

verisimilitude < french verisimilitude < latin verisimilitudo (= likeness to truth) < veri, genitive of verum, neuter of verus (= true) + similis (= similar).

verity < middle english verity < anglo-french / old french verite (= truth) < latin veritas (= truth) < verus (= true).

vermeil < middle english vermeil < anglo-french / old french vermail, vermeil (= bright-red, scarlet, crimson) < late latin vermiculus (= little worm) [the cochineal insect from which crimson dyes were obtained] < latin vermiculus (= larva of an insect), a diminutive of vermis (= worm).

vermilion < middle english vermillion < anglo-french / old french vermeillon (= red lead, cinnabar, < vermeil (= bright-red, scarlet, crimson) < late latin vermiculus (= little worm) [the cochineal insect from which crimson dyes were obtained] < latin vermiculus (= larva of an insect), a diminutive of vermis (= worm).

vermin < middle english vermin < anglo-french / old french vermin (= moth, worm, mite, troublesome creature) < vulgar latin *verminum (= vermin) < latin vermis (= worm).

vermouth < french vermouth < german Wermuth (= wormwood) < middle high german wermuot < old high german wermuota, an aromatic herb [used in the flavoring of the liqueur].

vernacular < latin vernaculus (= domestic, native) < verna (= home-born slave, native) < etruscan origin.

vernal < late latin vernalis (= of the spring) < vernus (= of the spring) < latin ver [gen. veris] (= the spring).

vernier < french [Pierre] Vernier, mathematician and inventor.

Verona < italian Verona < celtic Vernomago < verno (= elder tree) + mago (= field, place).

Veronica < french Veronique < ancient greek Βερενίκη | Berenikē < φέρω | pherō (= bring) + νίκη | nikē (= victory).

verse < old english verse < anglo-french / old french vers (= line of verse, rhyme, song) < latin versus (= line, row, line of verse) < versus, past participle of verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).

version < middle french version < medieval latin versio (= a turning, a translation) < latin verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).

verso < latin verso, ablative neuter of versus, past participle of verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).

versus < middle english versus < latin versus, past participle of verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).

vertebra < middle english vertebra < latin vertebra (= articulation, joint of the spine) < (?) verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn) + [suffix] -bra.

vertex < latin vertex (= whirlpool, whirling column, the turning point) < verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).

vertigo < middle english vertigo < latin vertigo (= a whirling, dizziness) < verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).

verve < french verve (= enthusiasm) < (?) gallo-roman *verva < latin verbum (= word).

very < middle english verray < anglo-french verrai / old french verai (= true, truthful) < vulgar latin *veracus < latin verax [gen. veracis] (= truthful) < verus (= true).

vesicle < middle english vesicle < middle french vesicule < latin vesicula (= little blister), a diminutive of vesica (= blister, bladder).

vesper < middle english vesper (= the evening star) < old french vespre (= evening, nightfall) < latin vesper [gen. vespris] (= evening star, evening, west) < I.E. *uekero- (= evening, night) {> ancient greekέσπερος | hesperos, welsh ucher, old irish fescor, old church slavonic večeru, russian večer, lithuanian vākaras, armenian gišer}.

vespiary < latin vespa (= wasp).

vessel < middle english vessel < old french vessel (= container, barrel, ship) < late latin vascellum (= small vase) < latin vasculum, a diminutive of vas [gen. vasis] (= container, vessel).

vest < french veste (= vest, jacket) < italian vesta / veste (= robe, gown) < latin vestis (= clothing) < vestio [inf. vestire] (= to clothe).

vest < middle english vest < old french vestir (= to clothe, get dressed) < latin vestio [inf. vestire] (= to clothe).

vestal < middle english vestal < latin Vesta, the goddess of hearth and home.

vestibule < french vestible < latin vestibulum (= forecourt, entrance).

vestige < french vestige (= mark, trace, sign) < latin vestigium (= footprint, trace).

vestment < middle english vestment < old french vestment < latin vestimentum (= clothing, clothes) < vestio [inf. vestire] (= to clothe).

vestry < middle english vestry < (?) anglo-french *vesterie < old french vestiaire (= room for vestments, dressing room) < latin vestarium (= wardrobe) < vestrarium, neuter of vestiarius (= of clothes) < vestis (= cloth, garment).

vesture < middle english vesture < anglo-french / old french vest(e)ure (= dress, clothes) < vulgar latin *vestitura (= vestments, clothing) < latin vestivus, past participle of vestio [inf. vestire] (= to clothe).

Vesuvius < latin Vesuvius < 1. celtic *ves- (= mountain) or 2. oscan fesf (= smoke, steam).

vet (= to submit to veterinary care) < veterinarian (q.v.).

vet (= veteran) < a shortening of veteran (q.v.).

vetch < middle english vetch < old french veche < old french vece < latin vicia (= vetch).

veteran < middle english veteran < french vétéran < latin veteranus (= old, aged, old soldier) < vetus [gen. veteris] (= old, aged) < I.E. *wet-es- < *wet-(2) (= year).

veterinarian < latin veterinarius (= of beasts of burden, cattle doctor) < veterinum (= beast of burden) < (?) 1. vetus [gen. veteris] (= old, aged) or 2. veho [inf. vehere] (= carry, convey).

veto < latin veto [inf. vetare] (= forbid, prohibit, oppose).

vex < middle english vex < old french vexer (= vex, harass) < latin vexo [inf. vexare] (= to shake, toss violently, attack, trouble) < vexus (= carried) < vectus, past participle of veho [inf. vehere] (= carry, convey).

vexillology < latin vexillum (= flag, military ensign, banner) (< velum (= a sail, curtain) + ancient greek -λογία | -logia (= study) (< λόγος | logos (= a speaking) < λέγω | legō (= speak)).

VHF < an acronym of Very High Frequency.

VHS < [1982] an acronym of Video Home System.

via < latin via (= by way of), ablative of via (= way, road, path) < I.E. *wegh- (= to go, move).

viable < french viable (= capable of life) < vie (= life) (< latin vita (= life)) + [suffix] -able (= capable) (< french -able < latin -abilis).

viaduct < latin via (= way, road, path) + ductus, past participle of duco [inf. ducere] (= to lead).

vial < middle english vyol < fyole / fiole < old french fiole (= flask) < medieval latin phiola < latin phiala < ancient greek φιάλη | phialē (= flat vessel, flat bowl, dish).

viand < middle english viand < anglo-french viaunde / old french viande (= food, victuals) < vulgar latin *vivanda < late latin vivenda (= things for living) < latin vivenda, neuter plural gerundive of vivo [inf. vivere] (= to live).

viatic < latin viaticus (= of the road, of a journey) < via (= way, road, path).

vibe < a shortening of vibraphone < vibrato (< italian vibrato < latin vibratus, past participle of vibro [inf. vibrare] (= vibrate)) + -phone (< ancient greek φωνή | phonē (= sound)).

vibrant < latin vibrans [gen. vibrantis], present participle of vibro [inf. vibrare] (= vibrate).

vibrato < italian vibrato < latin vibratus, past participle of vibro [inf. vibrare] (= vibrate).

vicar < middle english vicar < anglo-french vicare / old french vicaire (= deputy, second in command, priest) < latin vicarius (= a substitute, deputy) < vicarius (= substituted, delegated) < vicis (= a change, succession, alternation).

vice < middle english vice < old french vice (= fault, failing, defect, irregularity) < latin vitium (= defect, offense, imperfection).

viceroy < middle french vice-roy < old french vice- (= deputy) (< latin vicis (= a change, alternation)) + roi (= king) (< latin rex [gen. regis] (= king)).

vice versa < latin vice versa < vice, ablative of vicis (= a change, succession, alternation) + versa, female of ablative of versus, past participle of verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn, roll).

Vicky < a shortening of Victoria < latin Victoria < victoria (= victory) < vinco [inf. vincere] (= to overcome, conquer).

vicinity < middle french vicinité < latin vicinitas (= neighborhood, nearness) < vicinus (= of the neighborhood, neighboring) < vicus (= village, large village).

vicious < middle english vicious < anglo-french vicious / old french vicios (= wicked, cunning, defective) < latin vitiosus (= faulty, defective, corrupt, wicked) < vitium (= defect, offense, imperfection).

vicissitude < middle french vicissitude < latin vicissitudo (= change, alternation) < vicissim (= changeably, by turns, in turn) < vicis (= a change, succession, alternation).

victim < middle english victim < latin victima (= sacrificial animal).

victor < middle english victour < anglo-french / old french victor (= conqueror) < latin victor (= conqueror) < vinco [inf. vincere] (= to overcome, conquer).

Victoria < latin Victoria < victoria (= victory) < vinco [inf. vincere] (= to overcome, conquer).

victory < middle english victory < anglo-french / old french victorie < latin victoria (= victory) < vinco [inf. vincere] (= to overcome, conquer).

victuals < middle english vitaylle < anglo-french / old french vitaille (= food, nourishment, provisions) < late latin victualia (= provisions) < latin middle english victualia, neuter plural of victualis (= of nourishment) < victus (= livelihood, food, sustenance) < vivo [inf. vivere] (= to live).

vid. / vide < latin vide, imperative of video [inf. videre] (= see) < I.E. *weid- (= to see).

videlicet < middle english videlicet (= that is to say, to wit, namely) < latin videlicet < videre licet (= it is permissible to see) < videre, infinitive of video (= see) + licet (= it is allowed) [third person of present tense, inf. licere] (= be allowed).

video < [1935] latin video [inf. videre] (= see) < I.E. *weid- (= to see).

vie < middle english envie (= make a challenge) < old french envier (= compete, provoke, invite) < latin invito [inf. invitare] (= to invite, challenge) < in (= into) + (?) I.E. *weie- (= pursue with vigor).

view < middle english view < anglo-french vewe / old french veue < veoir (= to see) < latin video [inf. videre] (= see) < I.E. *weid- (= to see).

vigil < middle english vigil < anglo-french / old french vigile (= watch, guard) < latin vigilia (= a watch) < vigil (= watchful, awake, alert).

vigilant < middle english vigilant < middle french vigilant / latin vigilans [gen. vigilantis], present participle of vigilo [inf. vigilare] (= to watch, keep awake) < vigil (= watchful, awake, alert).

vignette < french vignette < a diminutive of old french vigne (= vine, vinyard) < latin vinea (= vine, vineyard) < vinum (= wine).

vigor < middle english vigor < anglo-french vigour / old french vigor (= force, strength) < latin vigor (= liveliness, activity, force) < vigeo [inf. vigere] (= be lively, be flourish).

Viking < old norse vikingr (= freebooter, sea-rover, pirate) < vik (= creek, inlet, small bay) [in reference to those who came from the fjords] or 2. related to old english wic (= village, camp) [in reference to temporary camps of the Viking raids].

vile < middle english vile < anglo-french ville / old french vil (= shameful, dishonorable) < latin vilis (= cheap, worthless, common).

vilify < middle english vilify < late latin vilifico [inf. vilificare] (= make cheap) < latin vilis (= cheap, worthless, common) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

villa < italian villa (= country house, villa, farm) < latin villa (= country house, farm).

village < middle english village < old french vilage < latin villaticum (= farmstead) < villaticum, neuter of villaticus (= of a farmstead) < villa (= country house, farm).

villain < middle english villain < anglo-french / old french vilain (= peasant, farmer) < medieval latin villanus (= farmhand) < latin villa (= country house, farm).

vim < latin vim, accusative of vis (= strength, vigor, energy).

vinaigrette < french vinaigrette, a diminutive of vinaigre (= vinegar) ) (< vin (= wine) < latin vinum (= wine)) + aigre (= sour, acid) (< vulgar latin *acrus < latin acer (= sharp, acute)).

Vincent < french Vincent < latin Vincentius < vincens [gen. vincentis], past participle of vinco [inf. vincere] (= to overcome, conquer).

vincible < middle french vincible < latin vincibilis (= that which can be gained) < vinco [inf. vincere] (= to overcome, conquer).

vindication < middle english vindication < old french vindicacion (= vengeance, revenge) < latin vindicatio (= act of claiming) < vindicare (= assert, set free, protect, avenge) < (?) vim dicare (= to show authority) < vim, accusative of vis (= force) + dico [inf. dicare] (= proclaim) (< dico [inf. dicere] (= say)).

vine < middle english vine < old french vigne (= vine, vinyard) < latin vinea (= vine, vineyard) < vinum (= wine) < I.E. *win-o- (= wine).

vinegar < middle english vinegar < old french vinaigre (= vinegar) (< vin (= wine) < latin vinum (= wine)) + aigre (= sour, acid) (< vulgar latin *acrus < latin acer (= sharp, acute)).

vineyard < middle english vineyard < old english wingeard < vine (< old french vigne (= vine, vinyard) < latin vinea (= vine, vineyard) < vinum (= wine)) + old english geard (= fenced enclosure, garden, court) (< proto-germanic *gardan-).

vinous < latin vinosus (= full of wine) < vinum (= wine) < I.E. *win-o- (= wine).

vintage < middle english vintage (= harvest of grapes, yield of wine from a vineyard) < anglo-french vintage < old french vendage / vendenge (= yield from a vineyard) < latin vindemia (= a gathering of grapes, yield of grapes) < vinum (= wine) + demo [inf. demere] (= take off) (< de- (= from, off) + emo [inf. emere] (= take)).

vintner < middle english vintner < anglo-french vineter / old french vinetier (= wine-merchant) < medieval latin vinetarius (= a wine dealer) < latin vinetum (= vineyard) < vinum (= wine).

vinyl < french vinyle < vin- (< latin vinum (= wine)) + -yle (< ancient greek ύλη | hylē (= matter, wood)).

viola < italian viola < old provençal viola < medieval latin vitula (= stringed instrument) < (?) 1. latin Vitula, the goddess of joy or 2. related to latin vitulor [inf. vitulari] (= to exult, be joyful).

Viola < latin viola (= violet, violet color).

violation < middle english violation < old french violacion < latin violatio (= an injury, irreverence) < violo [inf. violare] (= treat with violence, outrage, dishonor) < (?) vis (= strength, vigor, energy).

violet < middle english violet < old french violete, a diminutive of viole (= violet) < latin viola (= violet, violet color).

violin < italian violino, a diminutive of viola < old provençal viola < medieval latin vitula (= stringed instrument) < (?) 1. latin Vitula, the goddess of joy or 2. related to latin vitulor [inf. vitulari] (= to exult, be joyful).

violoncello < italian violoncello, a diminutive of violone (= bass viol) < viola < old provençal viola < medieval latin vitula (= stringed instrument) < (?) 1. latin Vitula, the goddess of joy or 2. related to latin vitulor [inf. vitulari] (= to exult, be joyful).

VIP < [1933] an acronym of Very Important Person.

viper < middle english viper < middle french vipere < latin vipera (= viper, snake, serpent) < *vivipera < vivus (= alive, living) + pario [inf. parere] (= bring forth, bear).

virago < middle english virago < latin virago (= female warrior, heroine, amazon) < vir (= man) < I.E. *wi-ro- (= man)).

viral < latin virus (= poison, sap of plants, slimy liquid, potent juice).

virgin < middle english virgin < anglo-french / old french virgine < latin virgo [gen. virginis] (= virgin, maiden).

Virgo < latin virgo [gen. virginis] (= virgin, maiden).

virgule (= the symbol / ) < french virgule < latin virgula (= punctuation mark), a diminutive of virga (= shoot, rod, stick, twig).

viridian < latin viridis (= green, blooming, vigorous).

virile < middle english virile < middle french viril < latin virilis (= of a man, manly) < vir (= man) < I.E. *wi-ro- (= man).

virtue < middle english vertu < anglo-french / old french vertu (= strength, vigor, qualities) < latin virtus (= moral strength, goodness, valor, bravery) < vir (= man) < I.E. *wi-ro- (= man).

virtuoso < italian virtuoso (= skilled, learned) < late latin virtuosus (= virtuous, good) < latin virtus (= moral strength, goodness, valor, bravery) < vir (= man) < I.E. *wi-ro- (= man).

virus < middle english virus (= poisonous substance) < latin virus (= poison, sap of plants, slimy liquid, potent juice).

vis-a-vis < french vis-à-vis (= face to face) < old french vis (= face) (= face, appearance) < latin visus (= a look, vision) < video [inf. videre] (= see).

visa < french visa < modern latin [charta] visa (= verified [paper]) < latin visa, female past participle of video [inf. videre] (= see).

visage < middle english visage < anglo-french / old french visage (= face, portrait) < vis (= face, appearance) < latin visus (= a look, vision) < video [inf. videre] (= see).

viscera < latin viscera, plural of viscus (= internal organ).

viscous < middle english viscous < anglo-french viscous < late latin viscosus (= sticky) < latin viscum (= sticky thing, mistletoe).

visible < middle english visible < old french visable / visible (= perceptible) < latin visibilis (= that may be seen) < visus, past participle of video [inf. videre] (= see).

vision < middle english vision < anglo-french visioun / old french vision (= presence, view, appearance, dream) < latin visio (= act of seeing, sight) < video [inf. videre] (= see) < I.E. *weid- (= to see).

visit < middle english visit < old french visiter (= to visit, inspect, examine) < latin visito [inf. visitare] (= go to see) < viso [inf. visere] (= behold, visit) < video [inf. videre] (= see).

vista < italian vista (= sight, view) < vista, female past participle of vedere (= see) < latin video [inf. videre] (= see).

visual < middle english visual < late latin visualis (= of sight) < latin visus (= a sight, a looking, appearance) < visus, past participle of video [inf. videre] (= see).

vital < middle english vital < latin vitalis (= belonging to life) < vita (= life) < I.E. *gwei- (= to live).

vitamin < vitamine [coined by Casimir Funk, Polish biochemist (1912)] < latin vita (= life) + french amine (< ammoniac (< modern latin ammonia) + [suffix] -ine).

vitiate < latin vitiatus, past participle of vitio [inf. vitiare] (= make faulty, injure, spoil) < vitium (= defect, offense, imperfection).

vitreous < middle english vitreous < latin vitreus (= of glass, glassy) < vitrum (= glass).

vitrify < middle french vitrifier < latin vitrum (= glass) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

vitrine < french vitrine < vitre (= glass, window-glass) < latin vitrum (= glass).

vitriol < middle english vitriol < old french vitriol < medieval latin vitriolum (= vitriol) [so called from its glassy appearance] < vitriolum, neuter of vitriolus (= glassy) < late latin vitreolus (= of glass) < latin vitreus (= of glass, glassy) < vitrum (= glass).

vituperation < middle english vituperation < latin vituperatio (= blame, a censuring) < vitupero [inf. vituperare] (= disparage, find fault with) < vitupero (= having faults) < vitium (= defect, offense, imperfection) + paro [inf. parare] (= prepare, provide).

viva < italian viva (= [long] live!), third person present subjunctive of vivere (= to live) < latin vivo [inf. vivere] (= to live) < I.E. *gwei- (= to live).

vivace < italian vivace (= brisk, lively) < latin vivax [gen. vivacis] (= lively, vigorous, enduring).

vivarium < latin vivarium (= enclosure for live game, park, fish pond) < vivarium, neuter of vivarius (= pertaining to living creatures) < vivus (= alive, living).

Vivian < latin Vivianus (= living, alive) < vivus (= alive).

vivid < french vivide < latin vividus (= spirited, animated, lively, full of life) < vivus (= alive).

vivify < middle english vivify < old french vivifier (= come alive, give life) < late latin vivifico [inf. vivificare] (= make alive) < vivificus (= enlivening) < latin vivus (= alive) + facio [inf. facere] (= make, do).

viviparous < late latin viviparus (= bringing forth alive) < latin vivus (= alive, living) + pario [inf. parire] (= bring forth, bear).

vixen < old english *fyxen, female of fox < proto-germanic *fuhsaz (= fox).

viz. < an abbreviation of middle english videlicet (= that is to say, to wit, namely) < latin videlicet < videre licet (= it is permissible to see) < videre, infinitive of video (= see) + licet (= it is allowed) [third person of present tense, inf. licere] (= be allowed).

Vladimir < old church slavonic Vladimiru < vlasti (= to rule over) (< I.E. *wal- (= to be strong)) + miru (= peace) (< proto-slavic *miru (= commune, joy, peace) < I.E. *mei-(4) (= to bind, tie)).

vocabulary < medieval latin vocabularium (= a list of words) < latin vocabulum (= word, name, noun) < voco [inf. vocare] (= to name, call).

vocal < middle english vocal < old french vocal < latin vocalis (= sounding, sonorous, speaking) < vox [gen. vocis] (= voice) < I.E. *wekw- (= to speak).

vocation < middle english vocation < old french vocacion (= call, consecration, profession) / latin vocatio (= a calling) < vocatus, past participle of voco [inf. vocare] (= to call).

vociferate < vociferation / latin vociferatus, past participle of vociferor [inf. vociferari] (= to cry out, shout) < vox [gen. vocis] (= voice) + fero [inf. ferre] (= to carry).

vodka < russian vodka, a diminutive of voda (= water) < I.E. *woda- < *wed-(1) (= water, wet).

vogue < middle french vogue (= fashion, success) < old french voguer (= to row, sway, set sail) < (?) germanic source.

voice < middle english voice < old french voiz (= voice, speech, word) < latin vox [gen. vocis] (= voice, sound, speech, word) {> italian voce, spanish voz}.

void < middle english void < anglo-french / old french voide, viude (= empty, vast, hollow) < latin vocivus (= unoccupied, vacant) < vacivus (= vacant).

voile < anglo-french / old french veil (= head-covering, sail, curtain) < latin velum (= sail, curtain, covering).

volant < middle english volant < middle french volant (= able to fly) < latin volans [gen. volantis], present participle of volo [inf. volare] (= to fly).

volatile < middle french volatile < latin volatilis (= fleeting, flying) < volo [inf. volare] (= to fly).

volcano < italian vulcano < latin Vulcanus / Volcanus (= Vulcan), the god of fire < etruscan origin.

vole < a shortening of vole-mouse (= field-mouse) < (?) old norse völlr (= field) < proto-germanic *walthuz).

volition < french volition < medieval latin volitio (= will, volition) < latin volo [inf. velle] (= to wish).

volley < middle french volee (= flight) < vulgar latin *volta < latin volata, female past participle of volo [inf. volare] (= to fly).

volt < italian [Alessandro] Volta, physicist [in recognition for his work in electrical batteries].

volte-face < italian volta faccia (= turn face) < volta, imperative of voltare (= to turn) (< vulgar latin *volvita < latin volvo [inf. volvere] (= to roll)) + faccia (< vulgar latin *facia < latin facies (= appearance, form) < facio [inf. facere] (= make, do)).

voluble < middle english voluble < middle french voluble < latin volubilis (= rolling, flowing, fluent, rapid) < volvo [inf. volvere] (= to roll).

volume < middle english volume < old french volume (= scroll, book, work, volume) < latin volumen (= roll of a manuscript, coil, wreath) < volvo [inf. volvere] (= to roll).

voluntary < middle english voluntary < latin voluntarius (= willing) < voluntas (= will) < volo [inf. velle] (= to wish).

voluptuous < middle english voluptuous < old french voluptueux / volumptueuse < latin voluptuosus (= full of pleasure, delightful) < voluptas (= pleasure, delight, satisfaction) < volup(e) (= pleasurably) < (?) volo [inf. velle] (= to wish).

volute < french volute < italian voluta < latin voluta (= a spiral scroll) < voluta, female past participle of volvo [inf. volvere] (= to roll).

vomit < middle english vomit < anglo-french vomit / old french vomite < latin vomitus (= a vomiting) < vomito [inf. vomitare] (= to vomit often) < vomo [inf. vomere] (= to puke, spew forth).

voodoo < french (of Louisiana) voudou < (?) ewe (west african) vo’du (= spirit, demon, deity).

voracity < french voracité / latin voracitas (= greediness, ravenousness) < vorax [gen. voracis] (= greedy, ravenous) < voro [inf. vorare] (= to devour).

vortex < latin vortex < vertex (= whirlpool, whirlwind) < verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).

vote < middle english vote < latin votum (= a vow, wish, dedication) < votum, neuter past participle of voveo [inf. vovere] (= to promise, dedicate).

vouch < middle english vouch < anglo-french voucher / old french vocher (= to call, invoke) < (?) gallo-roman *votico [inf. voticare] (= to call) < latin vocito [inf. vocitare] (= to call to, summon insistently) < latin voco [inf. vocare] (= to call, summon).

vow < middle english vow < anglo-french / old french voe < latin votum (= a vow, wish, dedication) < votum, neuter past participle of voveo [inf. vovere] (= to promise, dedicate).

vowel < middle english vowel < old french voieul < latin [littera] vocalis (= vocal [letter]) < vocalis (= sounding, sonorous, speaking) < vox [gen. vocis] (= voice) < I.E. *wekw- (= to speak).

voyage < middle english voyage < old french voiage (= travel, journey, movement) < late latin viaticum (= a journey) < latin viaticum, neuter of viaticus (= of a journey) < via (= way, road, path).

voyeur < french voyeur (= one who views) < voir (= to view) < latin video [inf. videre] (= see).

vs < an abbreviation of versus < latin versus, past participle of verto [inf. vertere] (= to turn).

vulcanize < Vulcan (< latin Vulcanus, Volcanus, the god of fire) + [suffix] -ize.

vulgar < middle english vulgar < latin vulgaris / volgaris (= of common people, common) < vulgus (= the common people, multitude, crowd).

Vulgate < medieval latin Vulgata < late latin vulgata [editio] (= popular [edition]) < vulgata (= common, general, popular) < latin vulgata, female past participle of vulgo [inf. vulgare] (= make common) < vulgus (= the common people, multitude, crowd).

vulnerable < late latin vulnerabilis (= wounding) < latin vulnero [inf. vulnerare] (= to wound, hurt, injure) < vulnus [gen. vulneris] (= wound).

vulpine < latin vulpinus (= of a fox) < vulpes < volpes (= fox) < I.E. *wlpe- (= fox).

vulture < middle english vulture < anglo-french vultur / old french voutoir, voutre < latin vultur < voltur (= vulture).

vulva < middle english vulva < latin vulva < volva (= womb) < volvo [inf. volvere] (= to roll).