What is the etymology of "borax"?

Question

I'm interested in knowing how far back the word can be traced. I know it can be traced at least to Middle Persian - Some articles I've found say it can go back to "būrak" or "bōrag." I don't know how either of these words would have been written, though, or what they would have meant. Also, I'm wondering whether the word can be traced further back than Middle Persian? Right now, I'm hoping that there is an etymology site or book in Farsi with more information somewhere. If there is, could someone tell me what it says? Sorry and thanks!

Answer 1

From the books I used to read in the past about the use of Borax in beauty products, I learned that--and I confirmed after reading your post--that Borax is, most probably, originally from Latin, brought into French, and eventually English. The synonym for Borax, which is Tankaar is the one with a Persian root.

Also, as far as I know, one of the meanings of the word "būrak", in old Persian, is the mold on the bread, which is very different from the anti-fungal property of borax.

I am not sure if you read Persian or not, but these websites might help:

https://www.vajehyab.com/?q=%D8%AA%D9%86%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1&d=en

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borax

Best,

Anita