Calamus
/ˈkæl.ə.məs/noun
A reed or reed-like plant, especially one used for writing pens or as a botanical name.
Did you know?The same ancient Greek word behind *calamus* also helped name the “calamus scriptorius,” the pointed part of the brainstem once imagined as a tiny reed-shaped writing instrument.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
kálamos
“A reed, cane, or reed pen used for writing.”
Latin
Latin
calamus
“A reed, cane, or writing reed.”
Late Latin
Latin
calamus aromaticus
“An aromatic reed used in perfumery and medicine.”
Middle English
English
calame
“A reed pen or reed-like stem.”
Modern English
English
calamus
“A reed; especially a botanical term for reed-like plants or structures.”