An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Having very little or no light.

Etymology (EN): M.E. derk, O.E. deorc, from P.Gmc. *derkaz.

Etymology (PE): Târik, Mid.Pers. târig “dark,” târ “darkness,” Av. taθra- “darkness,” taθrya- “dark,” cf. Skt. támisrâ- “darkness, dark night,” L. tenebrae “darkness,” Hittite taš(u)uant- “blind,” O.H.G. demar “twilight.”