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Malaysia

The origin and history of Malaysia.

Etymology

Coined by 19th-century British geographers from "Malay" plus -sia, roughly meaning "land of the Malays"; popularly (though inaccurately) explained as an extension of the earlier name "Malaya."

Origin: Malay · First attested 1800

Class of 1800

Malaysia first entered the language around 1800. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1800 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.