An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The primary color between green and orange in the visible spectrum; an effect of light with a wavelength between 5700 and 5900 Å. → yellow giant; → yellow supergiant.

Etymology (EN): M.E. yelou; O.E. geolo, geolu; P.Gmc. *gelwaz (cf. O.S., O.H.G. gelo, M.Du. ghele, Du. geel, Ger. gelb, Swed. gul “yellow”); cognate with Pers. zar “yellow,” as below.

Etymology (PE): Zard “yellow,” related to zarr “gold;” Mid.Pers. zard “yellow,” zarr “gold;” O.Pers. daraniya- “gold;” Av. zaray-, zairi- “yellow, green,” zaranya-, zarənu- “gold;” cf. Skt. hari- “yellow, green,” hiranya- “gold;”
Gk. chloros “light green,” chloe “green shoot;” L. helvus “yellowish, bay;” Rus. zeltyj “yellow;” P.Gmc. *gelwaz, as above.