Apedia

Word Carrefour Derives Latin Half Quadrifurcus Intersection Noun

Word carrefour
Date May 22, 2009
Type noun
Syllables kair-uh-FOOR
Etymology An interesting thing about "carrefour" is that even though the second half of the word contains the number "four," it is actually the first half of the word that derives from the Latin word for "four." "Carrefour" derives via Middle French from Late Latin "quadrifurcus," an adjective meaning "having four forks," formed by combining Latin "quadri-" ("four") and "furca" ("fork"). "Carrefour" has been a part of the English language since the 15th century. It once referred to an intersection of four roads at a single point, but later came to refer to any public square or plaza. "Carfax," a similar word that also derives from "quadrifurcus," can be found in some British place names, such as the primary intersection in the city of Oxford, England.
Examples “The farmers as a rule preferred the open carrefour for their transactions, despite its inconvenient jostlings and the danger from crossing vehicles….” (Thomas Hardy, The Mayor of Casterbridge)
Definition 1 : crossroads
2 : square, plaza

Tags: wordoftheday::noun

Learn with these flashcards. Click next, previous, or up to navigate to more flashcards for this subject.

Next card: Meaning latin desire cupidity noun cupere english concupiscentia

Previous card: Destitute related latin status english words statuere gave

Up to card list: Word of the Day