Osteon
/ˈɒs.ti.ɒn/noun
A structural unit of compact bone, especially in mammals.
Did you know?The modern anatomical term osteon was coined from Greek roots, and the same ancient root also gave English words like osteopathy and osteoporosis, all centered on bone as living structure rather than dead matter.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
osteon
“bone”
Late 19th Century
English
osteon
“a bone unit or bone cell structure”
Modern English
English
osteon
“the cylindrical structural unit of compact bone”
Ancient Greek
Greek
osteon
“bone”
Explore more surprising origins