An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The latter part of the → day and early part of the → night. Not an astronomical term proper. → evening star.

Etymology (EN): From O.E. verb æfnung “to grow toward evening,” from æfnian “to become evening,” from æfen “evening,” from P.Gmc. *æbando- (cf. O.H.G. aband, Ger. abend).

Etymology (PE): Ivâr “evening” (Lori, Laki êvâra; Borujerdi ivâra; Kurd. ewâra); Mid.Pers. êwârak “evening,” ultimately from Proto-Ir. *upa-ayara- “end of the day,” from *upa- “up, on,” + *ayara- “day;” cf. Av. ayar- (aiiar-) “day;” Shughni, Roshani, Bartangi prefixed (*api-) biyôr, Sariqoli biyur “yesterday;” PIE *ayer- “day, morning;” cf. Gk. eerios “at breakfast,” ariston “breakfast;” Du. eer, Ger. eher “earlier;” E. ere “soon, before (in time).”