Smooth
/smuːð/noun
Having an even surface, or moving without roughness or interruption.
Did you know?The word goes back to Proto-Germanic *smēþaz, and its older sense was about something even, soft, or unrough—less “luxury” and more raw texture control.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*smei-
“To smear, rub, or make smooth”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*smēþaz
“Smooth, even, soft”
Old English
English
smōþ
“Smooth, level, soft, gentle”
Middle English
English
smothe / smoothe
“Smooth, even, free from roughness”
Modern English
English
smooth
“Having an even surface or flowing without interruption”