Solid
/ˈsɒl.ɪd/noun
Firm and stable in shape or structure; not liquid or gas.
Did you know?Solid shares an ancient Latin root with words about wholeness and integrity, which is why the family of this root also gave English words like “soldier” and “solidarity.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sol-
“to be whole, entire”
Latin
Latin
solidus
“firm, dense, whole; also a Roman gold coin”
Late Latin
Latin
solidus
“solid, not hollow or liquid”
Old French
Old French
solide
“firm, dense, substantial”
Middle English
English
solid
“firm, hard, not fluid”
Modern English
English
solid
“firm and stable in shape or structure; not liquid or gas”
Explore more surprising origins