Stour
/ˈstaʊər/noun
A cloud of dust or a state of tumult, uproar, or violent commotion.
Did you know?The word is closely related to “storm” and “stir,” preserving an ancient image of matter violently whirling through the air.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ster- / *stur-
“To move, stir, or cause something to whirl; the reconstructed root behind several Germanic disturbance words.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*sturmaz
“A disturbance, tumult, or violent commotion.”
Old English
Old English
stūr
“Tumult, disturbance, commotion, or noisy agitation.”
Middle English
Middle English
stour
“A disturbance or uproar; also dust stirred up by movement or conflict.”
Modern English
English
stour
“A cloud of dust, especially one raised by activity, or a tumultuous commotion.”