cerebellum

Where does the word "cerebellum" come from? It comes from Latin cerebellum, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Cerebellum’s story begins in Latin: cerebellum meant “a little brain.” Literally little brain, a diminutive of cerebrum. It reached English by 1600s as cerebellum. Latin 'little brain'. Today, cerebellum means the part of the brain at the back of the skull, coordinating movement and balance.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient cerebellum "a little brain", literally little brain, a diminutive of cerebrum.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s cerebellum "the part of the brain coordinating movement and balance", Latin 'little brain'.