Indo

/ˈɪndoʊ/ prefix/noun

Definition

A prefix meaning 'of or relating to India' or the Indian subcontinent. Also used as informal shorthand for Indonesia or things Indonesian.

Etymology

From Greek 'Indos,' referring to the river Indus and the lands beyond it. The Greeks adopted this from Persian 'Hindu,' which itself came from Sanskrit 'Sindhu' (river), specifically the Indus River.

Kelly Says

The word 'Indo' traveled an amazing linguistic journey - from Sanskrit river name to Persian geographical term to Greek prefix to modern English. It shows how the names we use for places often reflect the perspective of ancient travelers and traders.

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