Equus
/ˈe.kwus/noun
A Latin word meaning 'horse,' used in scientific and historical contexts.
Did you know?Latin *equus* is the source of modern *equine* and the *equi-* element in many learned words, but it is not the source of *equity* or *equal* despite the similar spelling.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁éḱwos
“horse”
Proto-Italic
Italic
*ekwos
“horse”
Old Latin
Latin
equos
“horse”
Classical Latin
Latin
equus
“horse”
Modern English
English
equine
“relating to horses”
Explore more surprising origins