Celtic
UK[ˈkɛltɪk]US[ˈsɛltɪk]
adj
Relating to the Celts, their languages, or their culture.
n
A group of languages spoken in parts of the British Isles and Brittany, including Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton.
Etymology
The term "Celtic" entered English in the 17th century, borrowed from the French 'Celtique' or directly from Latin 'Celticus'. The Latin term derived from the Greek 'Keltoi', the name recorded by Herodotus and other historians for the tribal groups north of the Mediterranean world. The ultimate origin of the Greek name is uncertain, but it is likely a name the Celts used for themselves or one given by neighboring peoples. Over centuries, the term evolved from an ancient ethnonym into a modern linguistic and cultural classifier, describing the languages and traditions descended from those ancient communities.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword. It originates from Latin 'Celticus', which came from Greek 'Keltoi' or 'Keltai', the name used by ancient Greek writers for a people of central and western Europe.
Examples
Celtic art is known for its intricate knots and spirals.
She is studying Celtic languages at university.
The festival celebrates Celtic music and heritage.