English
Lucerne
Lucerne comes from Medieval Latin Lucernense.
- Medieval Latinc. 600–1500Lucernense
- Frenchc. 1600–presentLucerne
- Englishtodaysame form
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Earlier history uncertain.
Lineage
- Medieval Latinc. 600–1500Lucernense
- Frenchc. 1600–presentLucerne
- Englishtodaysame form
The story
Popular etymology associated it with lucerna (‘lantern’), though both words are related to lux (‘light’). Also compare Leodegar, Burgundian bishop of Autun.
Linked words
through Proto-Indo-European *lewk- ‘bright’
light, low, link, los, lea, ounce, lunar, luna, illumination, illuminate, lynx, luminous, lux, lumen, luminosity, lumia, loach, lum, luminary, lucidity, leucine, luminal, luminescent, lune, 74 more
through Latin lūceō ‘shine, be a light’
lucid, translucent, lucent, 10 more
through Latin lūcǐus ‘pike’
Today it means
name A canton of Switzerland.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / Medieval Latin Lucernense / Lucerne