camel
/ˈkæm.əl/
noun
Origin
Proto-Semitic
*gamal- — camel
Overview
Meaning Now
- A large, long-necked ungulate mammal of the genus Camelus, known for its ability to store fat in humps and survive in arid environments.
Language path
Proto-Semitic → Phoenician → Ancient Greek → Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
camel
Earliest period
12th century
Journey
The camel has been historically essential for trans-Saharan and Silk Road trade. Its name has remained remarkably consistent across many languages due to the animal's pivotal role in trade networks spanning from the Middle East to Europe.
Evolution
- Proto-Semitic
*gamal-
“camel”
- Ancient Greek
kámēlos
“camel”
Direct loan from Phoenician/Semitic sources
- Latin
camēlus
“camel”
- Old French
camel
“camel”
- Middle English
camel
“camel”
Connections
Word parts
camel
root
camel
Related across languages
Arabic
jamal
camel
Hebrew
gamal
camel
Explore next
Related to camel
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.