Etymology Map
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Cavity

2 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a hollow space

Where does the word "cavity" come from? It comes from Late Latin cavitas, adopted directly into English (1540s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
cavitas
Late Latin · ancient
"hollowness"
from 'cavus', hollow
2
Stage 2 of 2
cavity
English · 1540s
"hollow"
dental 'cavities' date from the 1800s
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Cavity’s story begins in Late Latin: cavitas meant “hollowness.” From 'cavus', hollow. It reached English by 1540s as cavity. Dental 'cavities' date from the 1800s. Today, cavity means a hollow space.