An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

In, relating to, or characteristic of the → countryside.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. rural, from L ruralis “of the countryside,” from rur-,rus “open land, country;” cf. O.E. rum “space” (extent or time); O.H.G., Gothic rum, Ger. Raum “space,” ultimately from PIE root *reue- “to open; space,” source also of Av. ravah- “space,” O.Irish roi, roe “plain field,” O.C.S. ravinu “level,” Russ. ravnina “a plain.”

Etymology (PE): Rustâyi, adj. of rustâ, → countryside.