An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Consisting of or forming a large mass.

Etymology (EN): From M.Fr. massif (feminine massive) “bulky, solid,” from O.Fr. masse “lump.”

Etymology (PE): Porjerm, from por “full, much, very, too much,” (Mid.Pers. purr “full;” O.Pers. paru- “much, many;” Av. parav-, pauru-, pouru-, from
par- “to fill;” PIE base *pelu- “full,” from *pel- “to be full;” cf. Skt. puru- “much, abundant;” Gk. polus “many,” plethos “great number, multitude;” O.E. full)

• jerm, → mass.