Gomphus
/ˈɡɒm.fəs/noun
A dragonfly in the genus Gomphus, typically characterized by a club-shaped abdomen.
Did you know?The genus name ultimately reflects Ancient Greek γόμφος, meaning a peg, bolt, or tooth—an image linked to the dragonfly’s sturdy, club-like form.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gombʰos
“A peg, tooth, or projecting object”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γόμφος (gómphos)
“A peg, bolt, wedge, or tooth”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γομφίος (gomphíos)
“A molar tooth, literally a tooth used like a peg”
Late Latin
Latin
gomphus
“A peg, bolt, or tooth; a borrowing from Greek”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Gomphus
“A taxonomic genus name for certain dragonflies”
Modern English
English
gomphus
“A dragonfly belonging to the genus Gomphus”