Phénix
/fe.niks/noun
The French word for the phoenix, a mythical bird said to be reborn from its ashes.
Did you know?Ancient Greek phoinix referred not only to the phoenix but also to the date palm and the color purple, though the ultimate origin of these connections remains uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
φοῖνιξ (phoînix)
“A phoenix; also a date palm and a purple or crimson color”
Classical Latin
Latin
phoenix
“The fabulous bird believed to renew itself, traditionally through fire”
Late Latin
Latin
phoenix
“The phoenix as a Christian symbol of resurrection and eternal life”
Old French
Old French
fenix
“The legendary bird that dies and returns to life”
16th Century
French
phénix
“The phoenix, with the acute accent marking modern French spelling”
Modern French
French
phénix
“A mythical bird symbolizing rebirth, renewal, or extraordinary survival”
Explore more surprising origins