Prose
The word "prose" first appears in English in the 14th century. It is derived from the Old French "prose", which in turn originates in the Latin expression "prosa oratio" (literally, straightforward or direct speech).
Literature
Etymologically, the term derives from Latin "literatura/litteratura" "learning, a writing, grammar," originally "writing formed with letters," from "litera/littera" "letter". In spite of this, the term has also been applied to spoken or sung texts.