Argentine
/ˈɑːrdʒənˌtiːn/noun
Having the appearance or color of silver, or relating to Argentina.
Did you know?Argentina’s name arose from European legends of silver riches inland, reflected in the Latin-derived name Río de la Plata—“River of Silver.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂erǵ-
“To shine or be bright; the reconstructed root associated with silver and brightness.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
argentum
“Silver; a bright, precious metal.”
Late Latin
Latin
argentinus
“Of silver or silvery.”
16th Century
Spanish
argentino / Argentina
“Silvery; Argentina, the land associated with the supposed silver-bearing region beyond the Río de la Plata.”
17th Century
English
argentine
“Silvery in color or appearance.”
19th Century
English
Argentine
“Relating to Argentina, alongside the older adjective meaning silvery.”