From what word was the word "cat" formed? - briefly
The word "cat" originates from the Old English word "catt," which is derived from the Late Latin "cattus." This term likely entered Latin from an Afro-Asiatic language, such as Nubian or Berber.
From what word was the word "cat" formed? - in detail
The word "cat" has its origins in the Late Latin word "cattus," which referred to domestic cats. This term is believed to have been borrowed from an Afro-Asiatic language, possibly from the Nubian word "kadīs" or the Berber word "kaddîska," both of which denote small wild cats. The Latin "cattus" gradually replaced the earlier Latin term "feles," which was more commonly used for wild cats. By the early medieval period, "cattus" had evolved into Old English as "catt," and by Middle English, it had transformed into "cat." The word's journey reflects the domestication and cultural significance of cats in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Its simplicity and phonetic consistency across languages highlight the shared human experience with these animals.