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Multiple realities
(covers information from several alternate timelines)

Etymology was the study of the history and evolution of different words.

The etymology of the term sabotage is rooted to the word sabot, where during the 19th century, in France, workers threatened by automation flung their sabot into their machinery, thus sabotaging them and thereby preventing them from working properly. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

During a discussion between Data and Orton during a party on the Arkaria Base in 2369, Data noted that there were several cultures in the sector that had similar etymological histories to Arkaria. (TNG: "Starship Mine")

In the anti-time past timeline, prior to the launch of the USS Enterprise-D, Data asked Miles O'Brien about the etymology of the idiom "burning the midnight oil", and how it came into use in contemporary language. O'Brien did not have the answer. (TNG: "All Good Things...")

Posing as Wendell Greer, Luther Sloan claimed that etymology was a hobby of his. He demonstrated his knowledge by giving the origins of the phrase "never say die", describing its origin as a 19th century poem based on The Merchant of Venice. (DS9: "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges")

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