scientist

the word 'scientist' is a modern formation built upon the classical foundations of 'science'. the core morpheme 'sci' derives from the latin verb 'scire', meaning 'to know', which itself can be traced back to the pie root skei- meaning 'to cut, split, separate', a metaphor for discernment. the suffix '-ent' was added to form the latin present participle 'sciens' (knowing), which evolved into the english adjective 'scient' (archaic for 'knowing'). finally, the agent-noun suffix '-ist', of greek origin but thoroughly latinized, was appended in the early 19th century to create a specific term for a practitioner of the systematic, empirical study of the natural world, thus distinguishing the professional 'scientist' from the general philosopher or scholar.

Structure: sci (know) + ent (one who is) + ist (one who practices) sci originates from latin 'scire', meaning 'to know'. ent is a suffix of latin origin, forming adjectives meaning 'being in a state or condition'. ist is a suffix of greek origin, via latin, forming nouns meaning 'a person who practices or is concerned with something'.