muscle etymology

Etymology:

• Latin: musculus, diminutive of mus "mouse"
• French: muscle

Meaning:

• A contractile organ in the body, consisting of muscle fibers and responsible for movement.
• Fig. (figurative, boxing): physical strength and power.

Origin:

The term "muscle" originates from the Latin word "musculus," which is the diminutive form of "mus," meaning "mouse." The reason for this association is thought to be the resemblance of the movement of muscles to the scurrying of mice.

In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans referred to muscles as "musculosus" (derived from "musculus") or "carnes" (meaning "flesh"). The term "muscle" in English was first used in the 14th century.

muscle relate terms

• mouse

  Etymology The word mouse descends from Proto Germanic mūs itself from Proto Indo Eur

• muscle

  Etymology Latin musculus diminutive of mus mouse French muscle Meaning A cont

• muscle

  Etymology Latin musculus diminutive of mus mouse French muscle Meaning A cont

• muscular

  Etymology The English word muscular comes from the Latin word muscularis which means

• brawn

  Etymology Old English brūn masculine brūne feminine Proto Germanic brūnaz

• mussel

  Etymology of Mussel The word mussel originates from the Old English word musle whi

• biceps

  Etymology Biceps brachii short for two headed muscle of the arm is a Latin term coin

• cramp

  Etymology Middle English crampe from Old French crampe from Vulgar Latin crampea fr

• strength

  Etymology Old English strengð Proto Germanic straggaz Proto Indo European strenǵʰ

• sinew

  Etymology The word sinew has its origins in the Old English term sinu meaning nerv

• dowry

  Etymology Middle English dowarie dowaire Old French douaire Late Latin Vulgar Latin