An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The season of the year between summer and winter; it begins in the northern hemisphere at the → autumnal equinox and ends at the → winter solstice.

Etymology (EN): O.Fr., from L. autumnus, a word probably of Etruscan origin.

Etymology (PE): Pâyiz, from Mid.Pers. pâdiz or pâtez, from Proto-Iranian *pâti-z(a)ya- “near winter,” from pâti “near” + *z(a)ya- “winter,” compare with Av. zyan- or zyam- “winter” (Skt. heman, Gk. xeimon, L. hiems).