Sapo
/ˈseɪ.poʊ/noun
A Latin word for soap; also the source of the modern word "soap."
Did you know?The origin of Latin *sapo* is uncertain, but ancient writers linked it to a Gallic hair-washing paste, showing that even everyday cleanliness can begin as a borrowed, almost ritual substance.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
sapo
“soap; a cleansing substance”
Late Latin
Latin
saponem
“soap (accusative form used in later transmission)”
Old High German
OHG
seifa
“soap”
Old English
English
sāpe
“soap”
Modern English
English
soap
“a substance used with water for washing and cleaning”
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