Marble Origin Of Word

The earlier adjective in this sense was marbrin early 14c.

Marble origin of word.

Much of the early classical marble came from the marmaris sea above the aegean. Meaning mottled like marble is mid 15c. Marble adj late 14c consisting of marble from marble n. The forms from french replaced old english marma which had previously been borrowed from latin.

The word marble derives from the ancient greek μάρμαρον mármaron from μάρμαρος mármaros crystalline rock shining stone perhaps from the verb μαρμαίρω marmaírō to flash sparkle gleam. Beekes has suggested that a pre greek origin is probable. Statues and parts of buildings are sometimes made of marble. Uncountable noun oft noun noun marble is a type of very hard rock which feels cold when you touch it and which shines when it is cut and polished.

Marble cake is attested from 1864.