Spain

/speɪn/ proper noun

Definition

Spain is a country in southwestern Europe, located on most of the Iberian Peninsula. Its capital is Madrid, and its official language is Spanish.

Etymology

From English *Spain*, from Old French *Espaigne*, from Latin *Hispania*, an ancient name for the Iberian Peninsula. The deeper origin is uncertain, possibly from a Phoenician word related to “rabbit” or “forge.”

Kelly Says

The ancient name *Hispania* might have meant “land of rabbits,” which is not what most people picture when they think of Spain today. Place names often carry very old jokes, guesses, or animal sightings that outlive their original meaning.

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