Reticulum
/rɪˈtɪk.jə.ləm/noun
A small netlike structure, especially the second compartment of a ruminant’s stomach or a network of cells, vessels, or fibers.
Did you know?In 1756, astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille named the southern constellation Reticulum after the reticle, the crosshair-like net used in surveying instruments.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
rete
“A net or network”
Classical Latin
Latin
reticulum
“A small net; diminutive of rete”
Late Latin
Latin
reticulum
“A small netlike structure or network”
16th Century
Medical Latin
reticulum
“The second compartment of a ruminant’s stomach, named for its honeycomb-like lining”
17th Century
English
reticule
“A small netted bag, borrowed through French from Latin reticulum”
18th Century
Astronomical Latin
Reticulum
“A constellation named for a netlike measuring instrument”
Modern English
English
reticulum
“A netlike anatomical structure, especially the stomach compartment or cellular network”