An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Hard granular powder, consisting of fine grains of rock or minerals, usually quartz fragments, found on beaches, in deserts, and in soil.

Etymology (EN): O.E. sand; cf. O.N. sandr, O.Fris. sond, M.Du. sant, Ger. Sand; PIE base *samatha- (cf. Gk. psammos “sand,” L. sabulum).

Etymology (PE): Mâsé “sand,” of unknown origin.