An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Trumm

by Friedrich Kluge

Trumm, m., ‘end, stomp, fragment,’ which is found besides only in the plur. Trümmer, ‘fragments, ruins,’ is based on MidHG. and OHG. drum, n., ‘end, piece, end-piece, splinter’; comp. OIc. þrǫmr, ‘brim, edge, verge,’ E. (AS.) thrum, ‘end-piece.’ Teut. þramu- (þrumu-), from Aryan trmo-, has rightly been connected with Lat. terminus, Gr. τέρμα, ‘boundary, conclusion, end.’