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Article: Fun with words.
- Article from:
- Calliope
- Article date:
- October 1, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Carus Publishing Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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WORD ORIGINS
Cane Kanu, meaning "a reed," was a term commonly used by the ancient Akkadians. The Greeks adopted the term and adapted it to kanna, which the Romans changed to canna. Sometime during the 14th century A.D, the term was Anglicized to "cane." Although it has acquired additional meanings, the term is still used today to refer to a type of reed.
Syrup The Arabic noun sharab means "a drink" or "a beverage." As Westerners came into contact with the cultures of Eastern Arabic-speaking peoples, commonly used terms such as sharab gradually entered the languages spoken in the West. The English term "syrup" is a good example. The word traces its roots ...