An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A glass prism of very small angle used as an optical element to divert the path of a beam of light for a particular purpose. → absorbing wedge.

Etymology (EN): M.E. wegge; O.E. wecg “a wedge,” cf. M.Du. wegge, Du. wig, O.H.G. weggi “wedge,” Ger. Weck “wedge-shaped bread roll.”

Etymology (PE): Gové “wedge;” Av. vada- “wedge,” ^xvaδa- “deadly weapon;” cf. Skt. vadhá- “killer, deadly weapon,” vadh- “to slay, kill;” Gk. othein “to push” (root of → osmosis).