10 Words That Originated With the Ancient Greeks

Ancient Greek words have had a profound influence on the evolution of the English language. English did not exist as a living language during the ancient Greek period but adopted Greek words through Hebrew, Latin and Arabic. Consequently, one in four words in English is of Greek origin, according to research by lexicographer Aristidis Konstantinidis. The language of ancient Greece has provided the foundation of international scientific concepts and still remains the language of science. Mathematical concepts are expressed through the Greek alphabet.

Anastomizing Structures

Anastomosis is the connection and merger or coalescence of two structures to produce a network. These structures could be vein branches on a leaf, blood vessel branches or river channel meanders. It derives from the Greek word of the same spelling in transliteration – “anastomosis” – that is a product of “ana,” meaning “mouth” or “opening,” and “stoma,” meaning “stomach.”

The Burden of Atlas

In the English language, an atlas is a collection of maps. The word derives from Greek mythology where "Atlas" means “Bearer of the Heavens.” Atlas, the son of Iapetus and Clymene was the scion of the Titans, a race of giants, who revolted against the Olympian gods. In punishment, Zeus, the king of the gods, condemned Atlas to carry the world on his shoulders forever. Atlas was also believed to be king of the mythical Atlantis, the “Land of Atlas.”

The Science of Geology

“Geo” is the Greek word for “earth.” The suffix “logy” comes from the Greek word “logia,” meaning “speaking.” or “log.” meaning “word.” However, the use of this suffix in English has evolved to mean “the study” or the “science” of any discipline. The combination of “geo” and “ology” gives the English for the study of the Earth.

Attractive Electrons

The ancient Greeks discovered electricity as well as providing a name for it. In 600 B.C., the philosopher Thales, who came from Miletus on the western coast of modern Turkey, discovered that if amber is rubbed on fur, it will attract objects like hair and even produce sparks. According to modern science, electron movement creates electricity. The word, “electron” originates from the Greek for “amber,” itself deriving from the word “elek,” meaning “shine.”

The Origin of Genesis

“Genesis” is a word that is both the Greek for the first book of the Bible and the origin, formation or creation of anything living or inanimate. It derives from the Greek verb “gignesthai” that means ”to be born” or “to become.” Words such as “gene” and “genealogy” that have the “gen” prefix refer to the origin or beginning of something.

Laconic Spartans

The word “laconic” describes terse or concise speech. It derives from the city of Laconia, a region in ancient Greece that included the city-state of Sparta. Spartans famously lacked pomposity and employed a dry wit.

Loving Philosophy

“Philosophy” is an English word that comes from the Greek “philosophia,” which means a “love of wisdom.” It is the combination of “philo,” meaning “loving,” and “sophia,” meaning "wisdom." However, the meaning of “sophia” in Greece was broader. It referred to situations where wisdom and intelligence could be exercised whether in business, crafts or politics. It also implied a love of discovery and curiosity.

Taking a Photograph

The English word “photograph” is another combination of two Greek words: “photo” or “phos,” meaning “light,” and “graph,” meaning “write,” “draw,” or “record.” The product is an image record.

Devising a Strategy

“Strategy” is a plan devised by a team leader to achieve a particular goal. It originates from the Greek “strategia,” meaning “command” or “office of general.” This word in turn derives from “strategos,” meaning “army commander” or “general.”

Heavenly Telescopes

“Telescope,” the English word for the modern instrument used in observing the heavens, is a combination of two Greek words: “tele,” meaning “far away” or “distant,” and “skopos,” meaning “target” of the “object of attention.” The word describes exactly what the instrument does. “Micro” meaning “small” is used in the same fashion in “microscope” to describe an instrument for observing small things.