Earlier today, I was talking with someone who brought up “eigenvalues.” I answered their questions; however, I realized that I had no clue where the word comes from or what it really insinuates. In fact, there are many math terms that I haven’t the slightest clue where they originated. Immediately I began a Google search for history of math terms. I found a website by Jeff Miller with a rather extensive listing of terms.
Let me know what you find!