The Origin of the Latin Word Avaria

Avaria is a latinized borrowing of the arabic word awar, which means something like defect, blem, flaw or damaged goods. The earliest attestation of avaria appears in an accounting book from a mid twelfth century genoese seaport. It refers to a damage loss or non normal expense, arising in connection with maritime trading. In classical latin, continental v is pronounced with a sound akin to the sound of english w.