From which language is the word "cat" borrowed? - briefly
The English word "cat" was borrowed from Old French "chat," which in turn originated from Latin "cattus."
From which language is the word "cat" borrowed? - in detail
The word "cat" in English has an intriguing etymological history that spans multiple languages and cultures. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "catt," which was used to refer to the feline animal. This term, in turn, is derived from the Latin word "cattus," a loanword from the Greek word "κάττα" (katta). The Greek term "κάττα" is believed to have been borrowed from an earlier form of the Persian word "gadōs" or "gādūk," which means "cat." This Persian root can also be found in other languages, such as Arabic ("qiṭṭa") and Turkish ("kedi"), indicating a widespread linguistic influence. Therefore, the modern English word "cat" is a result of a complex process of borrowing and adaptation across various languages over centuries.