An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A large natural stream of water flowing in a definite course.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. rivere, riviere, from V.L. *riparia “riverbank, seashore, river,” noun use of feminine of L. riparius “of a riverbank.”

Etymology (PE): Rud, from Mid.Pers. rôd “river,” O.Pers. rautah- “river;” cf. Skt. srotas- “river,” sru- “to flow;” Pali sota- “stream, flood;” Gk. rhoos “a stream, a flowing,” from rhein “to flow;” O.E. stream; Ger. Strom; PIE base *sreu- “to flow.”