duodenum

Where does the word "duodenum" come from? It comes from Latin duodecim, passing through Medieval Latin before entering English (1500s).

Duodenum’s story begins in Latin: duodecim meant “twelve.” It was named for being twelve finger-breadths long. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as duodenum digitorum. Twelve of fingers, since the organ was measured at about twelve finger-widths long. It reached English by 1500s as duodenum. Shortened and adopted for the first section of the small intestine. Today, duodenum means the first section of the small intestine, just below the stomach.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient duodecim "twelve", it was named for being twelve finger-breadths long.
2. Stage 2 · Medieval Latin · medieval duodenum digitorum "twelve finger-widths long", twelve of fingers, since the organ was measured at about twelve finger-widths long.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s duodenum "the first section of the small intestine", shortened and adopted for the first section of the small intestine.