An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Very dark in color;
absorbing light without reflecting any of its various rays.

Etymology (EN): Black, from O.E. blæc “black,” from P.Gmc. *blak-, from PIE *bhelg- “to shine, flash, burn” (cf. Gk. phlegein “to burn, scorch,” L. flagrare “to blaze, glow, burn,” fulgur “lightning”).

Etymology (PE): Siyâh or siyah, from Mid.Pers. siyâ, siyâk, siyâvah “black,” Av. sâma-, sayâva- “black, dark,” cf. Skt. syama-, syava- “black, brown,” Gk. skia
“shadow.”