An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Giving out or reflecting much light, shining.

Etymology (EN): O.E. bryht, from beorht “bright, splendid,” from P.Gmc. *berkhiaz, from PIE base *bhereg- “to gleam, white” (cf. Av. brāz- “to shine, gleam, flash, radiate,”
Skt. bhrajate “shines, glitters,” Mod.Pers. balk, warq, barx, barq “flash, flame, light,” barâz “beauty, grace, elegance,” barâzidan “to render good, beautiful,” Lith. breksta “to dawn,” Welsh berth “bright, beautiful,” L. flagrare “to blaze”). → electricity.

Etymology (PE): Deraxšân and rowšan both from M.P. rôc, O.Pers. raucah-, Av. raocah- “light, luminous; daylight;” cf. Skt roka- “brightness, light”, cognate with Gk. leukos “white, clear”, L. lux “light” (also lumen, luna), PIE *leuk- “light, brightness”. The Mod.Pers. words ruz “day,” foruq “light”, and afruxtan “to light, kindle” also belong to this family, as well as the E. light, Ger. Licht, and Fr. lumière.