---
title: ToolRouter — Agent Use Case Guide
description: Step-by-step guide for completing a task with a specific AI agent using ToolRouter.
url: https://toolrouter.com/tools/dictionary-words/use-cases/research-word-etymology/claude
---
# How to Research Word Etymology with Claude

Claude traces word histories through a chain of connected discoveries. Look up one etymology, then follow the root across languages, find related English words that share the same origin, and understand how cultural events shaped meaning over centuries. Each question opens a new branch of linguistic exploration.

## Setup

claude mcp add toolrouter -- npx -y toolrouter-mcp

## Steps

1. Connect ToolRouter: claude mcp add toolrouter -- npx -y toolrouter-mcp
2. Ask Claude: "Look up the etymology of the word algorithm using dictionary-words"
3. Claude returns the word origin and historical development
4. Ask: "What other English words share the same root?"
5. Explore the linguistic connections

## Example Prompt

```
What is the etymology of "serendipity"? Where did the word come from and how did it enter English?
```

## Tips

- Ask Claude to trace the word through multiple languages
- Request related words that share the same root for deeper understanding
- Etymology helps you remember difficult words by connecting them to stories
