NASA
/ˈnæs.ə/noun
The United States government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research.
Did you know?The name 'NASA' is derived from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, but its acronym resonates with ancient words related to the heavens and exploration, linking us to our celestial ancestors.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ναυτικός (nautikos)
“pertaining to ships or sailing, connected to navigation and exploration.”
Latin
Latin
navigare
“to sail or navigate, a term that embodies the human quest for exploration.”
Old French
Old French
nave
“the center part of a wheel, symbolizing the journey and movement.”
Modern English
English
navigate
“to plan and direct the course of a ship or aircraft, echoing the ancient desire to explore and understand the skies.”