An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To perceive as being different or distinct.
   

   2. To demonstrate or describe as being different or distinct.

Etymology (EN): ME. distingwen, from O.Fr. distinguer, from L. distinguere “to separate between, divide, mark off,” perhaps literally “separate by pricking,” from assimilated form of → dis- “apart”

• -stinguere “to prick.”

Etymology (PE): Bažnâyidan, verb from bažnâ, → distinct.