Etymology and General Use of Sound / Sund
The Germanic word "sound" has the same root as the verb "to sunder" in the meaning of to separate. In Swedish language any strait is called "sund". In Norway hundreds of narrow straits separating islands and combining Fjords or outer parts of Fjords are named "Sund". Another explanation derives Sound from an ancient verb "sund" in the meaning of to swim. That way a sound is a swimmable strait.
With the denomination of fjords and other bays in North America (Prince William Sound) and New Zealand the European meaning of the word has been lost.
The Germanic word "sound" is not related to the Romance originated word "sound", which has developed from the Latin sonus.
Read more about this topic: Danish Straits
Famous quotes containing the words etymology, general and/or sound:
“The universal principle of etymology in all languages: words are carried over from bodies and from the properties of bodies to express the things of the mind and spirit. The order of ideas must follow the order of things.”
—Giambattista Vico (1688–1744)
“A general loathing of a gang or sect usually has some sound basis in instinct.”
—Ezra Pound (1885–1972)
“I am already kindly disposed towards you. My friendship it is not in my power to give: this is a gift which no man can make, it is not in our own power: a sound and healthy friendship is the growth of time and circumstance, it will spring up and thrive like a wildflower when these favour, and when they do not, it is in vain to look for it.”
—William Wordsworth (1770–1850)