Acinus
/ˈæs.ɪ.nəs/noun
A small berry or grape; in anatomy, a tiny saclike cluster of gland cells.
Did you know?Latin *acinus* meant a grape berry or grape seed, and later scientists used it for gland clusters because they looked like miniature bunches of grapes.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂eyg-
“A root linked to pointed or sharp things, underlying words for oak and acorn in some branches.”
Latin
Latin
acinus
“A grape berry, grape seed, or small berry.”
Late Latin
Latin
acinus
“A small berry-like cluster.”
Modern English
English
acinus
“A tiny saclike cluster of gland cells, especially in the pancreas or salivary glands.”