An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. The smallest whole number, symbol 1; unity. The → multiplicative identity for real and complex numbers.
   

2. Being or amounting to a single unit or individual or entire thing, item, or object rather than two or more; a single.

Etymology (EN): O.E. an, from P.Gmc. *ainaz (cf. O.N. einn, Dan. een, O.Fris. an, Du. een, Ger. ein, Goth. ains), PIE base *oinos, cognate with Pers. yek, as below.

Etymology (PE): Yek “one, alone,” from Mid.Pers. êwak, êv, yak, êk; cf. Baluci hivak “one, single” (Proto-Iranian *aiua-ka-); O.Pers. aiva- “one, alone;” Av. aēuua- “one, alone;” Skt. éka- “one, alone, single;” Gk. oios “alone, lonely;” L. unus “one;” E. one.