An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

The symbol ÷ used to indicate → division. This symbol was first used as a → division sign by Johann Rahn (or Rhonius) (1622-1676) in 1659 in Teutsche Algebra.

From Gk. obelus "sharpened stick, spit, pointed pillar," related to obelisk, originally used in ancient manuscripts to mark passages that were suspected of being corrupted, doubtful, or spurious.

→ division sign.