Delta
/ˈdɛltə/noun
The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, used to denote a change or difference in mathematics and science.
Did you know?In ancient Egypt, the 'delta' region of the Nile was considered a sacred space, believed to be the birthplace of life itself, symbolizing transformation and rebirth.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰel-
“to blend, mix, or flow.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
δέλτα (déltā)
“the symbol for the letter, resembling a triangle, representing a mouth opening.”
Middle Latin
Latin
delta
“the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, used in various scientific contexts.”
Modern English
English
delta
“a landform at the mouth of a river where it splits into smaller streams, derived from the Greek letter's triangular shape.”