Canthus
/ˈkæn.θəs/noun
The inner or outer corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet.
Did you know?Ancient Greek canthus referred to the corner of the eye, while Latin canthus could mean the metal rim of a wheel—linking anatomy with the imagery of an encircling boundary.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κανθός (kanthos)
“The corner of the eye; the term’s deeper origin is uncertain.”
Hellenistic Greek
Greek
kanthos
“An anatomical term for the eye-corner, continuing the earlier Greek usage.”
Classical Latin
Latin
canthus
“The corner of the eye; also a rim or iron tire fitted around a wheel.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
canthus
“A learned anatomical term for the angle or corner of the eye.”
17th Century
English
canthus
“A technical term in anatomy for either corner of the eye.”
Modern English
English
canthus
“The inner or outer angle formed by the meeting of the eyelids.”