Lumbus
/ˈlʌm.bəs/noun
An anatomical term for the loin or lower back region.
Did you know?The Latin plural is lumbi, which survives in anatomical terminology such as lumbar vertebrae.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*lendʰ-
“A reconstructed root associated with the loin or lower-body region; the connection is considered probable rather than certain.”
Proto-Italic
Proto-Italic
*lombos
“Reconstructed ancestor meaning “loin.””
Classical Latin
Latin
lumbus
“The loin, flank, or lower back; its plural was lumbi.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
lumbus
“Continued as an anatomical term for the loin or lower back.”
17th Century
English
lumbus
“Borrowed technical English term referring to the loin or lumbar region.”
Modern English
English
lumbus
“A specialized anatomical word for the lower back or loin.”