An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Tide that occurs when the → Earth, the → Sun, and the → Moon are in a line. This happens approximately twice a month, around → new moon and → full moon. In such a condition, known as → syzygy, the tidal force due to the Sun reinforces that due to the Moon. Spring tides have nothing to do with the season spring. The name derives from the meaning “a leap, jump, bound, rise.”

Etymology (EN): Spring “a leap, jump, or bound;” M.E. springen, from spring O.E. springan “to leap, fly up; spread, grow;” cognates: O.N., O.Fris. springa, M.Du. springhen, O.H.G. springan, Ger. springen, from PIE *sprengh-, form *spergh- “to move, hasten, spring” (Skt. sprhayati “desires eagerly,” Gk. sperkhesthai “to hurry.”

Etymology (PE): Mehkešandak “high tide,” from meh-, → high,

• kešand, → tide.