Saphenous
/ˈsæf.ɪ.nəs/noun
Relating to the two major superficial veins of the leg.
Did you know?The term comes from a Greek word for a vein that was thought to be 'visible' or 'manifest,' which is why it became the name of the leg’s surface veins in medical Latin.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
saphenēs
“clear, manifest, visible”
Classical Greek
Greek
saphēnēs phleps
“the visible vein”
Late Latin
Latin
saphena
“a superficial vein of the leg”
Middle English
English
saphenous
“anatomical term for the superficial vein of the leg”
Modern English
English
saphenous
“relating to the superficial veins of the leg”
Explore more surprising origins