An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An oblique line (/) used between alternatives (e.g. and/or), in fractions (e.g. 4/5), or in percent ratios (e.g. kilometer/hour).

Etymology (EN): From M.E. slaschen, perhaps from M.Fr. esclachier “to break,” variant of esclater “to break, splinter.”

Etymology (PE): Eslaš, loan from E.