An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A metallic chemical element; symbol Sn (L. stannum for → alloys containing → lead). → Atomic number 50; → atomic weight 118.69; → melting point 231.9681°C; → boiling point 2,270°C; → specific gravity 5.75 (gray), 7.3 (white).
The element was known in prehistoric times.

Etymology (EN): M.E., O.E. tin; cf. M.Du., Du. tin, O.H.G. zin, Ger. Zinn, O.N. tin; related to Fr. étain?

Etymology (PE): Arziz “tin,” from Mid.Pers. arziz “tin, lead,” arus “white, bright;” Av. ərəzata- “silver,” auruša- “white;” cf. Skt. arjuna- “white, shining,” rajata- “silver;” Gk. argos “white,” arguron “silver,” L. argentum “silver,” arguere “to make clear,” argmentum “argument;” PIE *arg- “to shine, be white, bright, clear.”
Qal’y of unknown origin.