An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

If a force F acting on a body moves its point of application through a distance r, the work is defined by the product F.r.cosθ, where θ is the angle between the line of action of the force and the displacement. Work can be positive, negative, or zero.

Etymology (EN): M.E.; O.E. weorc, worc “something done, action, military fortification,” from P.Gmc. *werkan (cf. O.S., O.Fris., Du. werk, O.N. verk, O.H.G. werah, Ger. Werk), from PIE base *werg- “to work;” cognate with Pers. varz-, varzidan “to labor, practise,” → erg.

Etymology (PE): Kâr “work,” Mid.Pers kâr; Mod./Mid.Pers. kardan “to do, to work,” Mid.Pers. kardan; O.Pers./Av. kar- “to do, make, build,” Av. kərənaoiti “he makes;” cf. Skt. kr- “to do, to make,” krnoti “he makes, he does,”
karoti “he makes, he does,” karma “act, deed;” PIE base k^wer- “to do, to make.”