Pen
/pɛn/noun
A writing instrument used to apply ink to a surface, usually paper.
Did you know?The original pens were made from bird feathers, believed to possess the spirit of the flighted creature, channeling creativity and divine inspiration.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pen-
“to weave or spin, related to the creation of tools for writing.”
Latin
Latin
penna
“feather, wing, symbolizing writing as a flight of creativity.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
penna
“quill, specifically used for writing.”
Middle English
Middle English
penne
“a feather used for writing, often referring to a quill.”
Modern English
English
pen
“a general term for any device used for writing.”