Claviform
/ˈkleɪ.vɪ.fɔːrm/noun
Shaped like a club or key.
Did you know?Its first element comes from Latin *clava* (“club”), which shares an ancient root with words tied to striking, fastening, and even the idea of a key-like bar or latch.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kleh₂-
“to strike, hit; a blow or club-like object”
Latin
Latin
clava
“club, cudgel”
Late Latin
Latin
-formis
“having the form of, shaped like”
16th Century
English
claviform
“club-shaped; shaped like a club”
Modern English
English
claviform
“shaped like a club or key”