Why is a Tree a Tree?

Day 237: One thing I learned today…

An etymologist is someone who studies the origins of words and how their meanings have changed throughout history. Although I am sure I have learned this before, it came up on some coursework I am taking.

When I was young, I would ask my mom over and over why things were named what they are. My go to question was “why is a tree a tree?” To this day, if I even start to ask this question she just rolls her eyes at me.

Something else which I learned was that the suffix -itis means inflammation.

Is there anything you used to constantly ask your parents when growing up?