Anulus
/ˈæn.jə.ləs/noun
A ring-shaped structure, especially one in anatomy or biology.
Did you know?In anatomy, anulus often names a ring-shaped structure, such as the fibrous outer ring of an intervertebral disc.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂en-
“A proposed root associated with circularity or bending; the deeper origin is uncertain.”
Archaic Latin
Latin
ānus
“Ring, circle, or circular object.”
Classical Latin
Latin
ānulus
“Little ring; a diminutive of ānus.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
anulus
“A ring or ring-shaped object, including technical and anatomical uses.”
17th–19th Century
English
anulus
“A learned scientific borrowing meaning a ring-shaped structure.”
Modern English
English
anulus
“A ring-shaped anatomical or biological structure.”