Uranus (mythology) - Etymology

Etymology

The most probable etymology is from the basic Proto-Greek form *(F)orsanόj (worsanos) derived from the noun *(F)orsό (worso, Sanskrit: varsa "rain" ). The relative Proto-Indo-European language root is *ers "to moisten, to drip" (Sanskrit: varsati "to rain"), which is connected with the Greek ourόw (Latin: "urina", English: "urine", compare Sanskrit: var "water," Avestan var "rain," Lithuanian jures "sea," Old English wær "sea," Old Norse ver "sea," Old Norse ur "drizzling rain") therefore Ouranos is the "rainmaker" or the "fertilizer". Another possible etymology is "the one standing high in order" (Sanskrit: vars-man: height, Lithuanian: virus: upper, highest seat). The identification with the Vedic Varuna, god of the sky and waters, is uncertain. It is also possible that the name is derived from the PIE root *wel: to cover, enclose (Varuna, Veles). or *wer: to cover, shut.

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