What is the etymology of the word galaxy?

The word "galaxy" has its roots in the Ancient Greek word "galaxias" (γαλαξίας), which is derived from "gala" (γάλα), meaning "milk." The term "galaxias" was used to describe the Milky Way, the galaxy that includes our Solar System, which was named for its appearance as a dim band of light made up of stars in the night sky, reminiscent of spilled milk. This Greek term passed into Latin as "galaxias" or "galaxium," and later into Old French as "galaxie." The English adaptation, "galaxy," emerged around the Late Middle Ages. The connection to milk also reflects the ancient mythological associations, linking the Milky Way to various stories and deities associated with milk and nourishment in Greek mythology. Overall, the etymology of "galaxy" illustrates the intersection of language, astronomy, and mythology throughout history.