Eggs

/ɛɡz/ noun

Definition

oval objects laid by birds and other animals, containing a developing baby and yellow yolk inside; often eaten as food.

Etymology

From Old Norse 'egg,' derived from Proto-Indo-European roots meaning 'bird.' English took the Norse word rather than developing from Latin 'ovum,' which is why 'egg' doesn't sound Latin-based like 'ova' does.

Kelly Says

English speakers say 'eggs' instead of 'ova' (the Latin term) because of the Viking invasions—Old Norse 'egg' was so common that it replaced the Anglo-Saxon word, which is why we have this non-Latin word instead.

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