Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Etymology
Etˊy-mol′o-gy
(-jy̆)
, Noun.
pl.
Etymologies
(-jĭz)
. 1.
That branch of philological science which treats of the history of words, tracing out their origin, primitive significance, and changes of form and meaning.
2.
That part of grammar which relates to the changes in the form of the words in a language; inflection.
Webster 1828 Edition
Etymology
ETYMOL'OGY
,Noun.
1.
That part of philology which explains the origin and derivation of words, with a view to ascertain their radical or primary signification. In grammar, etymology comprehends the various inflections and modifications of words, and shows how they are formed from their simple roots.
2.
The deduction of words from their originals; the analysis of compound words into their primitives.