An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A specialized technician in an observatory who is in charge of functioning a telescope and helping visiting astronomers during their observation run.

Etymology (EN): From → night + assistant; M.E. assistent, from L. assistent-, stem of assistens, pr.p. of assistere “assist, stand by,” from → ad- “to” + sistere “take a stand, cause to stand,” cognate with Pers. istâdan “to stand,” → histogram.

Etymology (PE): Dastyâr “assistant,” from dast “hand” (Mid.Pers. dast; O.Pers. dasta-; Av. zasta-; cf. Skt. hásta-; Gk. kheir; L. praesto “at hand;” Arm. jern “hand;” Lith. pa-žastis “arm-pit;” PIE *ghes-to-) + yâr “helper; companion” (Mid.Pers. hayyâr “helper,” hayyârêh “help, aid, assistance,” Proto-Iranian *adyāva-bara-, cf. Av. aidū- “helpful, useful”).