Silver
/ˈsɪlvər/noun
A shiny, grayish-white metal used for currency, jewelry, and utensils.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, silver was often associated with the moon and seen as a symbol of purity and protection against evil spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*silbʰ-
“to be radiant or shining.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*silubra
“silver, the precious metal.”
Old English
OE
seolfor
“silver, bright metal, used for currency.”
Old Norse
ON
silfr
“silver, precious metal.”
Middle English
ME
silver
“the metal, often used in trade and jewelry.”
Modern English
English
silver
“the metal, now widely used in various applications.”