An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The hard nonmetallic mineral or group of consolidated minerals either in mass or in a fragment of pebble or larger size. See also → rock.

Etymology (EN): O.E. stan; cf. O.N. steinn, Dan. steen, O.H.G., Ger. Stein; from PIE *stai- “stone,” also “to thicken, stiffen” (cf. Skt. styayate “curdles, becomes hard;” Av. stay- “heap;” Gk. stear “fat, tallow,” stia, stion “pebble”).

Etymology (PE): Sang “stone, rock;” Mid.Pers. sang; O.Pers. aθanga-; Av. asenga- “stone;” PIE *aken-.