Etymology Map
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Crux

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means the decisive or most important point

Where does the word "crux" come from? It comes from Latin crux, adopted directly into English (1710s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
crux
Latin · ancient
"cross"
a cross, the Roman instrument of execution; also used for torment
2
Stage 2 of 2
crux
English · 1710s
"crucial point"
scholars used 'crux' for a textual puzzle that tormented them; the sense 'central point' followed
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Read the full story

Crux’s story begins in Latin: crux meant “cross.” A cross, the Roman instrument of execution; also used for torment. It reached English by 1710s as crux. Scholars used 'crux' for a textual puzzle that tormented them; the sense 'central point' followed. Today, crux means the decisive or most important point.