neuron

Where does the word "neuron" come from? It comes from Greek neuron, passing through German before entering English (1890s).

Neuron’s story begins in Greek: neuron meant “sinew, nerve.” Greek, related to Latin 'nervus'. By 1891, the word had taken hold in German as Neuron. Coined by anatomist Wilhelm Waldeyer to describe the nerve cell as a discrete structural unit. It reached English by 1890s as neuron. Adopted directly from German following Waldeyer's neuron doctrine. Today, neuron means a nerve cell.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient neuron "sinew, nerve", Greek, related to Latin 'nervus'.
2. Stage 2 · German · 1891 Neuron "nerve cell", coined by anatomist Wilhelm Waldeyer to describe the nerve cell as a discrete structural unit.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1890s neuron "nerve cell", adopted directly from German following Waldeyer's neuron doctrine.