An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Being in the first or early stage of existence or evolution; e.g. → young stellar object.

Etymology (EN): M.E.; O.E. geong “youthful, young,” from P.Gmc. *jungas (cf. O.S., O.Fris. jung, O.N. ungr, M.Du. jonc, Du. jong, O.H.G., Ger. jung, Goth. juggs), from PIE base *yeu- “vital force, youthful vigor;” cognate with Pers. javân, as below.

Etymology (PE): Javân “young;” Mid.Pers. juwân “young, youth;” Arm. yavanak (loaned from Mid.Pers.); Av. yuuan- “youth;” cf. Skt. yuvan- “young, youth;” L. juvenis “young man;” Lith. jaunas “young;” O.C.S. junu, Rus. junyj “young;” cognate with E. young, as above.