An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

General:1) A strip serving to encircle and bind one object or to hold a number of objects together. 2) A strip or stripe that contrasts with something else in color, texture, or material.
Physics: 1) A specific range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.
2) Closely packed spectral lines that appear to form a continuous group. → absorption band;
→ emission band.

Etymology (EN): From M.E. bende, O.E. bend, from O.Fr. bande, bende, P.Gmc. *bindan, from PIE *bendh- “to bind” (cf. Goth bandi “that which binds;” Av./O.Pers. band- “to bind, fetter,” banda- “band, tie,” Skt. bandh- “to bind, tie, fasten,” bandhah “a tying, bandage.”

Etymology (PE): Bând, adoption from E. band, which is cognate and synonymous with Pers. band, present tense stem of bastan “to bind, shut,” Mid.Pers. bastan, band, Av./O.Pers. band-, as explained above. See also → strip.