Seminar
/ˈsɛmɪnɑːr/noun
A small group meeting for discussion, study, or training.
Did you know?English got seminar from the Latin seminary, a word built from semen, meaning “seed,” so the modern academic room still carries the ancient image of ideas being sown and cultivated.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
seminarium
“A seedbed, nursery, or place where plants are propagated”
Late Latin
Latin
seminarius
“Pertaining to seed or a nursery”
17th Century
German
Seminar
“A school, training institution, or theological college”
18th Century
French
séminaire
“An institution for training priests or scholars”
18th Century
English
seminar
“A small advanced class or discussion group”