course
UK[kɔːs]US[kɔːrs]
n
the route or direction followed by a ship, aircraft, road, or river
n
a series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject
n
one of the separate parts of a meal
n
the way something develops or should develop
v
(of liquid) flow or move swiftly
Etymology
The word 'course' entered English from Old French 'cours' in the late 13th century, carrying the sense of 'onward movement'. Its ultimate source is the Latin verb currere, 'to run', a word of Proto-Indo-European origin. The semantic journey from the literal act of running to its modern abstract meanings is a classic example of metaphorical extension. The path one runs becomes a route or direction; the forward motion of running evolves into the progression of events or a series of educational lessons; and the flow of a runner is likened to the flow of a liquid or the sequential serving of dishes in a meal.
Analysis
The word 'course' is a simplex loanword from Old French. It derives from the Latin word 'cursus', meaning 'a running, race, journey, or flow', which itself is from the verb 'currere', meaning 'to run'.
Examples
The ship altered its course to avoid the storm.
She is taking a course in digital marketing this semester.
The main course was followed by a delicious dessert.