An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The direction 90° to the left or 270° to the right of → north.

Etymology (EN): M.E., O.E. “west” “in or toward the west;” cf. O.N. vestr, O.Fris., M.Du., Du. west, Ger. West; PIE base *wes- (Gk. hesperos, L. vesper “evening, west”).

Etymology (PE): Bâxtar “west;” Mid.Pers. apâxtar “north;” Av. apāxtar “northern.”