Amber
/ˈæm.bɚ/noun
A hard, translucent fossilized tree resin often yellow-orange in color.
Did you know?The English word ultimately comes through Arabic and Medieval Latin from the same ancient root as “ambergris,” because both were once confused in trade as exotic, waxy, ocean-washed treasures.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂elbʰ-
“A root meaning “amber” or a yellowish resinous substance, preserved in Baltic and related forms.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἤλεκτρον (ḗlektron)
“Amber; also the substance used to study static electricity.”
Latin
Latin
electrum
“Amber; later also a pale alloy of gold and silver.”
Arabic
Arabic
ʿanbar (عنبر)
“Ambergris; a fragrant waxy substance from whales, later associated in trade with amber.”
Old French
Old French
ambre
“Amber; also ambergris in medieval usage.”
Middle English
English
ambre
“Amber, the fossil resin.”