# Linux

> English word · Proper noun · IPA /ˈlɪ.nəks/ · frequency rank #7,246

## Definitions
1. The Unix-like open-source computer operating system kernel created by Linus Torvalds in 1991.
2. Any operating system that uses this kernel.

## Etymology
Etymology tree
Ancient Greek Λῖνος (Lînos)bor.
Latin Linusbor.
English Linus
English Multics
▲
English eunuchinflu.
English Unix
blend
English Linux
Blend of Linus + Unix, from the name of its creator Linus Torvalds.

## Easily confused with
- **Liu** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/linux-vs-liu)
- **lux** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/linux-vs-lux)
- **lynx** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/linux-vs-lynx)
- **lin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lin-vs-linux)
- **line** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/line-vs-linux)
- **link** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/link-vs-linux)
- **lieu** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lieu-vs-linux)
- **Lina** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lina-vs-linux)
- **linn** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/linn-vs-linux)
- **lint** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lint-vs-linux)
- **lind** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lind-vs-linux)
- **lino** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lino-vs-linux)
- **lines** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lines-vs-linux)
- **links** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/links-vs-linux)
- **lined** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lined-vs-linux)
- **Linda** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/linda-vs-linux)
- **liner** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/liner-vs-linux)
- **linen** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/linen-vs-linux)
- **Linus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/linus-vs-linux)
- **lingo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lingo-vs-linux)

## Common misspellings (7)
`ilnux`, `linnux`, `linuxx`, `linxu`, `liunx`, `llinux`, `lniux`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/linux