Cuneus
/ˈkuː.ne.ʊs/noun
A wedge-shaped object or form.
Did you know?Latin cuneus literally meant “wedge,” and it also named a wedge-shaped section of seats in Roman theaters, showing how one physical shape became a blueprint for architecture and military order.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*keuh₂-
“to wedge, to drive in; a pointed or inserted shape”
Latin
Latin
cuneus
“a wedge; a wedge-shaped block or section”
Late Latin
Latin
cuneus
“a wedge-shaped division, especially in architecture or seating”
Old French
Old French
cune
“a wedge”
Middle English
English
cune
“a wedge; a wedge-shaped form”
Modern English
English
cuneus
“a wedge-shaped structure or anatomical/architectural section”