Africa的词源

英文词源

Africa (n.)

Latin Africa (terra) "African land, Libya, the Carthaginian territory," fem. of adjective Africus, from Afer "an African," a word of uncertain origin. The Latin word originally was used only in reference to the region around modern Tunisia; it gradually was extended to the whole continent. Derivation from Arabic afar "dust, earth" is tempting, but the early date seems to argue against it. The Middle English word was Affrike.

中文词源

Africa：非洲

Africa作为非洲的洲名是古罗马人给取的，原作Aprika，意思是“阳光充足的”，是借A英语后才拼为Africa的。

该词的英语词源请访问趣词词源英文版：Africa 词源，Africa 含义。