# What is the origin of the naming convention for position functions?

In physics, position as a function of time is generally called d(t) or s(t). Using "d" is pretty intuitive, however I haven't been able to figure out why "s" is used as well. Is it possibly based on another language?

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it could be based on the german word 'Strecke', but I don't think this convention is that strict in the first place. –  luksen Feb 23 '12 at 18:41
Yes, $s$ stands for the german word Strecke, and $d$ for distance. –  Qmechanic Feb 23 '12 at 18:45
@luksen & Qmechanic Thanks! –  jli Feb 24 '12 at 21:06

Note that $s$ is for displacement, whereas $d$ is for distance. Distance is the distance along the path traveled by a body, whereas displacement is the birds-eye distance traveled. Displacement can also be negative in 1-D, depending upon your reference positive direction.
You might want to check out this paper, it's got an analysis of the naming, mainly for electrodynamic units. A few symbols from the table at the end of the paper: $c$ (speed of light) comes from Latin celeritas; $I$ (current) comes from "intensity of current" in French (intensite du courant). The $\mathbf{A}$-potential, $\mathbf{B}$-field, $\mathbf{H}$-field got their symbols from the alphabetic order of the others.