Pilonidal
/ˌpaɪ.ləˈnaɪ.dəl/noun
Relating to a small sinus or cyst near the cleft of the buttocks, often containing hair.
Did you know?Pilonidal was coined in the 19th century from Latin pilus “hair” + Latin nidus “nest,” a vivid anatomical image that sounds almost like a spell for something hidden and embedded.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
pilus
“hair”
Latin
Latin
nidus
“nest”
19th Century
English
pilonidal
“coined as a medical term for a hair-containing cyst or sinus”
Modern English
English
pilonidal
“relating to a pilonidal cyst or sinus”