From Proto Indo European stai, meaning “stone” — this word has been as rock-steady as a chunk of granite. In Proto Germanic it was already stainaz (the -az ending being just the nominative singular marker), and in Old English, stan.

Its sound, however, gives the impression of energy swirling around a fixed presence. “st” is directed energy flowing along a path; the energy is earthy and solid (long “o”), and with “n”, it is directed and narrowed towards a goal. It is strange to have so much direction and motion associated with stone, despite its solid center; but perhaps this indicates that stones are more than what they appear to be at first glance. After all, diamonds and other crystals, which certainly act as conduits for energy of all sorts, are called stones, as well — never rocks or pebbles, except in jest.

Thanks to Ali for suggesting this word of the day.

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