Why is a plant called a plant?

Everyone knows what a plant is. But why is a plant called a plant? Where did this word come from, what does it mean in the literal sense?

These are the questions we will answer in our article, based on various dictionaries, and also give an interpretation of the names of several plants.

Origin of the word of the plant

Lev Uspensky, creator of the etymologicaldictionary, believed that the word plant came from the verb to grow. In Ancient Rus this word sounded like "Orsti". Over time, the form of the verb has undergone significant changes. So the word "plant" appeared. Aristotle and Archimedes believed that vegetation refers to something average between animals and inanimate objects. At the same time, they noted that although plants can not move, they can grow. Hence the word plant appeared. Efron, who is the author of an encyclopedic dictionary, believed that green is the most active growing organism on the planet.

Thus the origin of the word "plant"is directly related to growth. However, it would be unfair not to notice that in Chinese, the word "plant" means more than just growing grass or bushes. The fact is that according to the ancient Chinese parable the plant symbolizes the desire for heaven. The plant was often associated with human life. It was believed that plants are similar to humans in many ways, including the stage when they just give the first shoots, then grow and grow stronger, and then eventually wilt. Therefore, the Chinese do not at all touch plants without need and try not to ruin them. In India, it was believed that a person after his life can become a plant.

Names of plants

Surely, you have a question, why is it the samesome plants have such unusual names. For example, what can the word bird-cherry mean? It is known that this plant is actively used in medicine. Meanwhile, its name "black man" literally means a swarthy one. Zamanikhu was called so because she looks like ginseng, which often confused the collectors. Schisandra is apparently named so because it has the fruit of a lemon.

But the dream-grass name history is much more interesting. More: Sleep-grass what is this plant.