An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To substitute (one thing for another); exchange. → mutation.
Math., logic: To satisfy or engage in a commutative operation.

Etymology (EN): From L. commutare “to change altogether,” from →
com- + mutare “to change,” from PIE base *mei-
“to change, go, move;” cf. Av. miθô “inverted, false,” miθaoxta-
“wrong spoken;” Skt. methati “changes, alternates,
joins, meets,” mithah “mutual, reciprocal;”
L. meare “to go, pass,” mutuus “done in exchange;” Goth.
maidjan “to change;” E. prefix mis- (in mistake).

Etymology (PE): Âmutidan, from intensive prefix â- + mut,
from L. mutare cognate with Av. miθô, as above,

• -idan infinitive suffix.