Etymology Map
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Ovum

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a female reproductive cell

Where does the word "ovum" come from? It comes from Latin ovum, adopted directly into English (1700s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
ovum
Latin · ancient
"egg"
related to Greek 'ōion'
2
Stage 2 of 2
ovum
English · 1700s
"egg cell"
'oval' shares the root
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Read the full story

Ovum’s story begins in Latin: ovum meant “egg.” Related to Greek 'ōion'. It reached English by 1700s as ovum. 'oval' shares the root. Today, ovum means a female reproductive cell.