Georgia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A state located in the southeastern United States known for its diverse landscapes and history ; a sovereign nation situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, noted for its mountainous terrain and ancient culture
2. A region in the southern USA characterized by coastal beaches, farmland, and the city of Atlanta ; an independent country bordered by Russia, Turkey, and the Black Sea, famous for its wine and historic sites
3. An American state with major cities, plantations, and a role in U.S. history ; a country that straddles continents, featuring unique languages and traditions and a rich medieval heritage

Etymology: The state's name is a Latinate feminine form of "George", but the name was given in honour of a king, not a saint. In 1732 James Oglethorpe founded the colony and named it after King George II of Great Britain, and the "-ia" ending was added to turn the king's name into a place name, the same pattern seen in Virginia and Columbia. The name George itself comes from Ancient Greek "Geōrgios", meaning "farmer", through Latin "Geōrgius". The country of Georgia in the Caucasus has a stranger history. Its name came into European languages from Medieval Latin "Geōrgia", borrowed from Classical Persian "gurj", which traces back to Middle Persian "wiruz-ān", meaning "Iberians" or "Georgians". Early medieval writers guessed that the country took its name from Saint George, and later European writers connected it with the Greek word for farmer, but neither idea is accepted today, and the true source of the Persian word remains unknown.