armor
/ˈɑːrmər/
noun
Origin
Latin
armatura — equipment, armor, armed force
Overview
Meaning Now
- Defensive covering, as of metal, wood, or leather, worn to protect the body in combat.
- A protective coating or layer on an animal, plant, or vehicle (e.g., plating on a warship).
Literal older meaning
arms or equipment for war
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
armure
Earliest period
13th century
Journey
The concept of armor evolved from simple leather and bronze plates in antiquity to full plate steel in the late Middle Ages. The term originally encompassed all weaponry and tools of war, but narrowed to defensive gear as terminology specialized.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
armatura
“equipment, defensive gear”
Derived from 'armare' (to arm).
- Old French
armure
“defensive equipment”
- Middle English
armure
“defensive equipment”
- Early Modern English
armour / armor
“defensive equipment”
Spelling diverged; 'armor' became standard in US English.
Connections
Word parts
arm
root
weapon, tool, or equipment
-or
suffix
suffix indicating result or state
Related across languages
French
armure
armor
Spanish
armadura
armor
Italian
armatura
armor/structure
Related words
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Related to armor
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.