Firmament
/ˈfɜːr.mə.mənt/noun
The heavens or the sky, especially when regarded as a tangible thing.
Did you know?In ancient cosmology, the firmament was seen as a solid dome holding back celestial waters, a concept that influenced many religious texts.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰer-
“to hold, support, or strengthen”
Latin
Latin
firmamentum
“a support or strengthening structure, literally meaning 'that which strengthens'.”
Old French
Old French
firmament
“the sky or heavens, derived from the Latin term.”
Middle English
Middle English
firmament
“the vaulted expanse of the sky, reflecting its solid nature.”
Modern English
English
firmament
“the sky, particularly in a poetic or theological context.”