Omentum
/oʊˈmɛn.təm/noun
A fold of fatty tissue that hangs from the stomach and covers the abdominal organs.
Did you know?Ancient physicians described the omentum as a protective fatty covering, while diviners separately inspected animal organs for omens; despite the similar sound, the two words are not securely related.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
omentum
“Fatty membrane or caul surrounding the intestines”
Late Latin
Latin
omentum
“The fatty covering of the abdominal organs”
17th Century
New Latin
omentum
“An anatomical membrane or fatty fold”
17th Century
English
omentum
“A fold of fatty tissue in the abdomen”
Modern English
English
omentum
“The apron-like fatty tissue that covers and protects abdominal organs”
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