domain
UK: dəˈmeɪn | US: doʊˈmeɪn
n. an area of territory owned or controlled by a ruler or government
n. a sphere of knowledge or activity
n. computing: a distinct subset of the internet with addresses sharing a common suffix
domain = dom<lord, master> + ain<noun suffix>
- dom<lord, master>: From Latin dominus (lord, master), reflecting control or ownership.
- ain<noun suffix>: A variant of the suffix -an, indicating relation or belonging.
Etymology Origin:
The word "domain" traces back to Latin dominium (property, dominion), derived from dominus (lord). It entered Middle English via Old French demeine, referring to land under a lord's control. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to denote spheres of influence (e.g., "domain of science") and later adapted in computing to describe networked address spaces. The core idea of "controlled territory" persists across all meanings.
The king's domain extended across the entire valley.
Quantum physics is outside my domain of expertise.
The website’s domain expired last week.
Wildlife conservation falls under the domain of environmental science.
She reigns supreme in the domain of classical music.