/ ˈɒrɪdʒɪn; NAmE ˈɔːr-; ˈɑːr-/ noun [ C , U ] (also ori·gins [ pl. ])
1.
the point from which sth starts; the cause of sth :
the origins of life on earth
Most coughs are viral in origin (= caused by a virus) .
The origin of the word remains obscure.
This particular custom has its origins in Wales.
2.
a person's social and family background :
She has risen from humble origins to immense wealth.
children of various ethnic origins
people of German origin
a person's country of origin (= where they were born)
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WORD ORIGIN
early 16th cent.: from French origine , from Latin origo , origin- , from oriri to rise.