granite

英文词源

granite

granite: [17] Etymologically, granite is ‘grainy or granular rock’. The word was borrowed from Italian granito, a derivative of grano ‘grain’ (which is related to English grain). (English acquired the Italian feminine form granita in the 19th century as a term for a granular form of water ice.)
=> grain

granite (n.)

1640s, from French granit(e) (17c.) or directly from Italian granito "granite," originally "grained," past participle adjective from granire "granulate, make grainy," from grano "grain," from Latin granum "grain" (see grain (n.)). In reference to the appearance of the rock. Used figuratively for "hardness" (of the heart, head, etc.) from 1839. New Hampshire, U.S., has been the Granite State since at least 1825.