An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Having the color of fresh snow or milk; reflecting nearly all the rays of sunlight. → white dwarf; → night.

Etymology (EN): M.E. whit(e); O.E. hwit, from P.Gmc. *khwitaz (cf. O.S., O.Fris. hwit, O.N. hvitr, Du. wit, O.H.G. hwiz, Ger. weiß, Goth. hveits); cognate with Pers. sefid, as below.

Etymology (PE): Sefid, sepid “white;” Mid.Pers. spêt; Av. spita- “white;” cf. Skt. śveta- “white;” Lith. sviesti “to shine,” svaityti “to brighten;” cognate with E. white, as above.