Why is it called odometer?

The term 'odometer' is derived from two ancient Greek words: ὁδός (hodós), meaning 'path' or 'gateway,' and μέτρον (métron), meaning 'measure.' Thus, it roughly translates to 'path-measure'^[4]. This device is used to measure the distance traveled by vehicles. The word reflects its function and has its origins in the principles established by early inventors like the Roman architect Vitruvius, who described an odometer in his work around 15 BCE^[2][3].