An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. A system for sending → messages from one individual to another via telecommunications links between → computers or → terminals using dedicated → software.
   

   2. A message sent by email (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): From electronic, → electronic, + mail, from M.E. male, from O.Fr. male “wallet, bag,” of Germanic source; cf. O.H.G. malaha “wallet, bag,” M.Du. male “bag;”) from PIE *molko- “skin, bag.”

Etymology (PE): Payel, contraction of payâm-e elelktronik “electronic message,” from payâm, → message,

• elektronik, → electronic; cf. Fr. mél “e-mail,” from message + électronique, or courriel “e-mail,” from courrier + électronique.