The Spanish word 'recursos' (resources) comes from the Latin word 'recursus' meaning 'return' or 'recourse'. This Latin word was formed by combining two parts: the prefix 're-' meaning 'back' or 'again', and the verb 'currere' meaning 'to run'. So literally, 'recursus' meant something you could 'run back to' or 'return to'. Over time, this concept evolved to mean the supplies or support one could fall back on - in other words, resources. The modern Spanish word 'recursos' is simply the plural form of 'recurso', formed by adding the plural suffix '-s'.

Some related Spanish words that might be familiar to Spanish learners include 'correr' (to run), which comes from the same Latin root 'currere'. You can also see this connection in words like 'recorrer' (to travel through or traverse), which combines the same 're-' prefix with the verb 'correr'.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'recourse', 'current', 'cursor', and 'course', which all ultimately derive from Latin 'currere' (to run). The word 'resource' itself is a close cousin to Spanish 'recurso', both coming from Latin 'recursus'. The connection becomes clear when you think of a resource as something you can 'return to' when in need, just as 'recourse' means a source of help you can turn to.