Permutation
/ˌpɜːr.mjuːˈteɪ.ʃən/noun
A rearrangement of elements into a different order, especially in mathematics.
Did you know?Permutation comes from Latin permutare, meaning “to change thoroughly,” while its deeper root is linked to ancient words for changing, exchanging, and becoming less.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mei-
“To change, exchange, or alter”
Classical Latin
Latin
mūtāre
“To change, alter, or exchange”
Classical Latin
Latin
permutāre
“To change thoroughly or exchange completely”
Late Latin
Latin
permutātiō
“A changing, alteration, or exchange”
14th Century
Middle English
permutacioun
“Change, alteration, or transformation”
Modern English
English
permutation
“A rearrangement, especially of elements in a sequence”