An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The season beginning at the → winter solstice, about December 22 and lasting until the → vernal equinox, about March 21.

Etymology (EN): M.E., OE; cf. O.Fris., Du. winter, O.S., O.H.G. wintar, Ger. winter, Dan., Swed. vinter, Goth. wintrus “winter”),

Etymology (PE): Zemestân “winter,” related to zam “cold,” Mid.Pers. zam, zamistân “winter;” Av. zimô “winter;” cf. Skt. hima- “cold, frost;” Ossetic zymæg/zumæg “winter;” Gk. xeimon “winter;” L. hiems “winter;” Lith. ziema “winter;” PIE *gheim- “snow, winter.”