Definition of eta

The Greek letter eta (η) has a fascinating history in the English language. It originally entered the English language as the result of Greek influence during the Renaissance, as scholars and intellectuals became increasingly interested in ancient Greek culture and philosophy. At this time, the Greek alphabet was still in use, and eta (η) was one of its letters. It represented a consonant-vowel sound that was similar to the 'eh' sound in the modern Greek word 'ηλέκτρον' (elektron, meaning 'amber'). However, as the English language began to evolve and adapt, the sound of the eta letter changed. In English, when it was used in words borrowed from Greek, it began to be pronounced more like the 'eh' sound in the word 'they'. This pronunciation eventually gave way to the 'eh' sound in words such as 'chronometer', which comes from the Greek word 'χρονόμητρον' (chronomētron, meaning 'time-measurer'). Interestingly, in modern Greek, this word is pronounced with the sound 'ω' (omega) instead of 'η'. Despite the change in pronunciation, the Greek letter eta has remained in the English language, mostly as a historical relic in words of Greek origin. It continues to be recognized and used today, both as a mathematical symbol in algebra and as a scientific notation in chemistry. In summary, the eta letter has evolved over time, reflecting the ongoing influence of ancient Greek culture and language on the English language, as well as the adaptability and flexiblity of language itself.