An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A female → parent.

Etymology (EN): M.E. mother, moder, O.E. modor; cf. O.S. modar, O.N. moðir, Da. moder, Du. moeder, O.H.G. muoter, Ger. Mutter; PIE *mater- “mother;” akin to Pers. mâdar, as below.

Etymology (PE): Mâdar, from Mid.Pers. mâd, mâdar; O.Pers./Av. mātar- “mother;” cf. Ossetic mad/madae “mother;” Khotanese mâta “mother;” Skt. mātár- “mother;” Gk. meter, mater; L. mater (Fr. mère, Sp. madre).