chart
/tʃɑːrt/
noun
Origin
Latin
charta — papyrus leaf, paper, document
Overview
Meaning Now
- a sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram
- a map used for navigation by sea or air
Literal older meaning
a leaf of paper; a written document
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
charte
Earliest period
late 14th century
Journey
The term originated from the word for papyrus leaves in Ancient Greek. By the Middle Ages, 'charte' in Old French referred to any legal or formal document, which evolved into 'charter' for legal documents and 'chart' for maps and graphical data representations.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
khartēs
“layer of papyrus”
- Latin
charta
“paper, written document”
- Old French
charte
“document, charter”
- Middle English
charte
“a written record or document”
- Modern English
chart
“graphical representation or navigation map”
Sense extended from written document to graphical representation in the 17th century.
Connections
Word parts
chart
root
paper or document
Related across languages
French
carte
map or menu
Italian
carta
paper
Explore next
Related to chart
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.