An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. The art or practice of designing and building structures.
   

2. Computers: The arrangement of the various devices in a computer system or network. See also → software architecture.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from M.Fr. architecture, from L. architectura, from architectus “architect,” from Gk. arkhitekton “master builder, director of works,” from arkhi- “chief” + tekton “builder, carpenter,” → technique.

Etymology (PE): Mehrâzik, from mehrâz literally “chief mason,” from meh- “great, large,” → high, + râz “mason, builder” (Borhân-e Qâte’), from Mid.Pers. râz “builder, architect,” probably related to O.Pers. râs-, Av. râz- “to direct, set, put in line” (with many cognates in Pers., such as râst “straight, direct, true;”
raj, rak, râk, rezg (Lori), radé, râdé “line, rule, row,” rasté, râsté “row, a market with regular ranges of shops;” ris, risé “straight”); cf. Skt. raj- “to direct, stretch,” rjuyant- “walking straight;” Gk. orektos “stretched out;” L. regere “to lead straight, guide, rule,” p.p. rectus “right, straight;” Ger. recht; E. right; PIE base *reg- “move in a straight line,” hence, “to direct, rule;” + -ik, → -ics.