Firefox

/ˈfaɪərˌfɑks/ noun

Definition

A web browser developed by Mozilla; originally, another name for the red panda, a small mammal native to Asia. The browser was named after this animal.

Etymology

Compound of 'fire' from Old English 'fyr' and 'fox' from Old English 'fox'. Originally referred to the red panda (Ailurus fulgens), whose reddish fur resembled fire. Mozilla chose this name in 2004 for their browser, replacing the name 'Phoenix'.

Kelly Says

Firefox shows how modern technology companies draw inspiration from nature - the red panda's fiery appearance and agile nature made it perfect branding for a fast, dynamic web browser. It's amusing that millions of people daily use software named after one of the world's most endangered animals.

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