An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Any living creature that is distinguished from plants by independent movement and responsive sense organs.

Etymology (EN): From L. animale “living being, being which breathes,” neuter of animalis “animate, living; of the air,” from anima “breath; soul; breeze,” cognate with Pers. jân, as below.

Etymology (PE): Jânevar, jânvar, Mid.Pers. gyânwar “animal; animate,” literally “living, alive; quick,” from jân, Mid.Pers. (+ prefix *ui-) gyân “(breathing) soul,” gyânig “spiritual, vital;” Av. viiānayā “spirit(ness)”; Proto-Iranian *HanH- “to breathe” cf. Skt. ani- “to breathe,” aniti “breathes;” Gk. anemos “wind;” L. animus “soul, spirit,” anima “breeze, breath, soul;” Goth. uz-anan “to exhale” (Cheung 2007)

• -e epenthesis + -var possession suffix; also hen o hen “to pant;” dialects, e.g. Lori, Kurd., henâs, henâsa “breath,” henowša “panting.”