英语词源字典 - 在线词源网站

polythene [polythene 词源字典]: "A tough, light flexible synthetic resin made by polymerizing ethylene, chiefly used for plastic bags, food containers, and other packaging", 1930s: contraction of polyethylene.[polythene etymology, polythene origin, 英语词源]
pyrethrum: "An aromatic plant of the daisy family, typically having feathery foliage and brightly coloured flowers", Middle English (denoting pellitory): from Latin, from Greek purethron 'feverfew'. The current senses (based on the former genus name) date from the late 19th century.
petit mal: "A mild form of epilepsy characterized by brief spells of unconsciousness without loss of posture", Late 19th century: from French, literally 'little sickness'.
post-sync (1): "= post-synchronization", 1950s. From post- + sync verb. Compare earlier post-synchronization.
post-sync (2): "= post-synchronize", 1960s. From post-sync. Compare earlier post-synchronize.
psora: "Any of various skin diseases characterized by the presence of scabs or scales, usually with itching; especially scabies, mange, or (in later use) psoriasis", Late 16th cent.; earliest use found in John Banister (1532/3–?1610), surgeon. From classical Latin psōra or its etymon ancient Greek ψώρα itch, mange from an alternative form (with different vocalism) of the stem of ψῆν to rub, wipe + -ρα, suffix forming nouns.
pandowdy: "A kind of spiced apple pudding baked in a deep dish", Mid 19th century: of unknown origin.
postrider: "A person who carries letters and other mail by horseback; one who rides express with news", Early 18th cent.; earliest use found in The Boston News-letter.
plexor: "A small hammer with a rubber head used to test reflexes and in medical percussion", Mid 19th century: formed irregularly from Greek plēxis 'percussion' (from plēssein 'to strike') + -or¹.
paludal: "(Of a plant, animal, or soil) living or occurring in a marshy habitat", Early 19th century: from Latin palus, palud- 'marsh' + -al.
Pantagruelian: "Enormous", Late 17th century: from Pantagruel (the name of an enormous giant in Rabelais's novel Pantagruel (1532)) + -ian.
panatella: "A long thin cigar", Mid 19th century: from Latin American Spanish panatela, denoting a long thin biscuit, from Italian panatello 'small loaf', diminutive of panata.
poptastic: "Denoting or relating to a very good piece of pop music", 1990s: blend of pop² and -tastic, popularized by use in the British TV comedy Harry Enfield's Television Programme (1990–2).
Portakabin: "A portable building, used as a temporary office, classroom, etc", 1960s: from porta- and an alteration of cabin.
ploughshare: "The main cutting blade of a plough, behind the coulter", Late Middle English: from plough + Old English scær, scear 'ploughshare' (related to shear).
pro-and-con: "To weigh the arguments for and against; to debate both sides of (a question or matter)", Late 17th cent. Probably partly from pro and con, and partly from pro + and + con.
polyanthus: "A herbaceous flowering plant which is a complex hybrid between the wild primrose and primulas, cultivated in Europe since the 17th century", Early 18th century: modern Latin, from poly- 'many' + Greek anthos 'flower'.
post-haste: "With great speed or immediacy", Mid 16th century: from the direction ‘haste, post, haste’, formerly given on letters.
Plaid Cymru: "The Welsh Nationalist party, founded in 1925 and dedicated to seeking autonomy for Wales. It won its first parliamentary seat in 1966, and since 1974 has maintained a small number of representatives in Parliament", Welsh, 'party of Wales'.
peeping Tom: "A person who derives sexual pleasure from secretly watching people undressing or engaging in sexual activity", From the name of the person said to have watched Lady Godiva, Lady ride naked through Coventry.