Caudal
/ˈkɔː.dəl/noun
Relating to the tail or the rear part of an animal or body.
Did you know?Caudal comes from Latin *cauda* meaning “tail,” a root that also survives in scientific terms like *caudate* and *caudally*—proof that even anatomy keeps ancient Latin alive.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱeh₂u-
“A root meaning “tail” or “hanging part” (reconstructed).”
Latin
Latin
cauda
“Tail.”
Late Latin
Latin
caudālis
“Of or pertaining to the tail.”
14th Century
English
caudal
“Relating to the tail.”
Modern English
English
caudal
“Relating to the tail or the rear part of an animal or body.”