Here's the breakdown:
* Latin: "columna" meaning "pillar, column"
* Old French: "colonne"
* Middle English: "colomne"
* Modern English: "column"
The Latin word "columna" itself likely comes from the root "colere" meaning "to cultivate, till, inhabit." This connection suggests that columns were initially seen as supporting elements, similar to how crops are supported by the soil they grow in.
Interestingly, the word "column" has evolved to refer to a variety of things besides a physical pillar, including:
* A vertical section of printed matter: This usage comes from the visual resemblance of text arranged in vertical lines to the shape of a pillar.
* A vertical row of figures in a table: This usage is also related to the visual structure, where numbers or data are organized in columns.
* A body of troops arranged in a line: This meaning reflects the formation of soldiers in a column-like shape for marching or battle.
So, while the word's origin is rooted in the physical structure of a pillar, its meanings have expanded over time to encompass various abstract and functional concepts.