Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “subclavian” come from?

Subclavian derives from Latin subclavius, formed from sub- and clavis meaning key or bar, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European (s)kel- meaning to cut or split.

subclavian (English): Relating to or denoting an artery or vein which...

Definitions

  1. Relating to or denoting an artery or vein which...

Ancestry of “subclavian”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1New Latinsubclaviusunder the clavicle
2Latinclāvicula—
3Latinclāvis—
4Ancient GreekκλείςSomething used to lock/unlock: key, bolt, bar; A...
5Proto-Hellenicklāwī́ds—
6Proto-Indo-Europeankleh₂u-nail, pin, hook - instruments, of old use for...
Every word from Proto-Indo-European kleh₂u- →