* Latin: The word's ultimate source is the Latin word "salmo," meaning "salmon." This word likely came from the Proto-Indo-European root "*salm-," meaning "to leap" or "to jump," which is fitting considering salmon's impressive ability to leap upstream.
* Old French: The Latin "salmo" evolved into the Old French "saumon," which became "salmon" in Middle English.
* Modern English: The word "salmon" entered English in the 12th century, replacing the older Anglo-Saxon word "lax."
So, the word "salmon" has a long history of evolution, reflecting its importance as a food source and its remarkable biological characteristics.