Where does “sternocleidomastoid” come from?
Sternocleidomastoid comes from New Latin sternocleidomastoideus, combining Proto-Indo-European stern- and sterh₃- meaning stiff or rigid, with Ancient Greek κλείς meaning key or clavicle.
sternocleidomastoid (English): Relating to or involving the sternum, the...
Definitions
- Relating to or involving the sternum, the...
Ancestry of “sternocleidomastoid”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Latin | sternocleidomastoīdēs | — |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | κλείς | Something used to lock/unlock: key, bolt, bar; A... |
| 3 | Proto-Hellenic | klāwī́ds | — |
| 4 | Proto-Indo-European | kleh₂u- | nail, pin, hook - instruments, of old use for... |