'aeronautics' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'aeronautikos,' where 'aero-' meant 'air' and 'nautikos' meant 'of ships or sailors.'

'aeronautikos' transformed into the French word 'aéronautique,' and eventually became the modern English word 'aeronautics.'

Initially, it meant 'navigation of the air,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the science or practice of building or flying aircraft.'