An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Relating to or characteristic of a unified body (e.g. a government) with constituent parts (states) that retain a measure of autonomy.

Etymology (EN): From Fr. fédéral, from L. foedus (genitive foederis) “league, treaty, alliance,” → federate, + → -al.

Etymology (PE): Hiyâvi, from hiyâvidan, → federate.