Amniotic
/ˌæmniˈɒtɪk/noun
Relating to the amnion, the fluid-filled membrane surrounding an embryo or fetus.
Did you know?The Greek term amnion was applied to the fetal membrane in ancient anatomical writing, but its deeper connection with Greek amnos, “lamb,” remains uncertain rather than proven.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
amnion (ἀμνίον)
“A membrane surrounding the fetus; the precise original sense is uncertain”
Ancient Greek
Greek
amnos (ἀμνός)
“Lamb; sometimes proposed as a possible source of amnion, though the connection is disputed”
17th Century
New Latin
amnion
“The fetal membrane, adopted as an anatomical term”
17th Century
New Latin
amnioticus
“Relating to the amnion”
Modern English
English
amniotic
“Relating to the amnion or its surrounding fluid”