This word has a fascinating history:
* Ancient Greek: The word "thunnus" is believed to have originated from the Ancient Greek word "thynnos" which, in turn, may be related to an even older Indo-European root word meaning "swift" or "fast," referring to the tuna's speed.
* Roman: The Romans adopted the Greek "thunnus" and used it to refer to tuna.
* Medieval: The word "thunnus" eventually evolved into "tuna" in various Romance languages like Spanish, Italian, and French.
* English: The word "tuna" entered English in the 16th century, likely borrowed from Spanish or Portuguese.
So, the next time you enjoy a tuna sandwich, remember that its name has roots in ancient languages and reflects the remarkable speed of this fish.