An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A small bundle of → rays of light. See also → beam of light.

Etymology (EN): M.E. pencel, from M.Fr. pincel, from L. penicillus “painter’s brush or pencil,” diminutive of peniculus “little tail,” diminutive of penis “tail;” → light.

Etymology (PE): Bâriké, from bârik, → narrow, + nuance suffix -é; nur, → light.