An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

(n.) A color between white and black. (adj.) Having a neutral hue.

Etymology (EN): M.E., O.E. græg, from P.Gmc. *græwyaz; cf. O.N. grar, O.Fris. gre, Du. graw, Ger. grau; Frank. *gris, Fr. gris.

Etymology (PE): Xâkestari, “ash-colored,” from xâkestar “ashes,” from Mid.Pers. *xâkâtur, from xâk “earth, dust” + âtur “fire,” varaint âtaxš (Mod.Pers. âtaš, âzar, taš), from Av. ātar-, āθr- “fire,” singular nominative ātarš-; O.Pers. ātar- “fire;” Av. āθaurvan- “fire priest;” Skt. átharvan- “fire priest;” cf. L. ater “black” (“blackened by fire”); Arm. airem “burns;” Serb. vatra “fire;” PIE base *āter- “fire.”