Where does the word scenery come from?

The word "scenery" has an interesting history! It comes from the Italian word "scena," which means "scene."

Here's a breakdown:

* "Scena" (Italian): This word was used in the context of theatre, referring to the stage setting or backdrop.

* "Scenery" (English): The word evolved through the Middle English word "scenerye," which was used to describe the painted backdrops and props used in theatrical productions.

So, the word "scenery" originally meant the visual elements used to create a setting in a play. Over time, it expanded its meaning to include the natural features of a landscape and the overall visual surroundings of a place.