An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A combining form meaning “complete, entire, total, whole,” used in the formation of compound words: → holonomic, → holography, holomorphic.

Etymology (EN): From M.E. holo-, from O.fr., from L. hol-, holo-, from Gk. holos “whole,” akin to Pers. har- “every, all, each, any,” as below.

Etymology (PE): Haru, from Mid.Pers. har(v) “all, each, every” (Mod.Pers. har “every, all, each, any”); O.Pers. haruva- “whole, all together;” Av. hauruua- “whole, at all, undamaged;” cf. Skt. sárva- “whole, all, every, undivided;” Gk. holos “whole, complete;” L. salvus “whole, safe, healthy,” sollus “whole, entire, unbroken;” PIE base *sol- “whole.”