Siamese
/ˌsaɪ.əˈmiːz/noun
Relating to Siam, the former name of Thailand, or to its people, language, or culture.
Did you know?“Siamese twins” was coined after Chang and Eng Bunker, conjoined brothers born in Siam in 1811; their name helped turn the country’s former English name into a medical term.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
śyāma
“Dark, dusky, or dark-colored; often cited as a possible ultimate source of Siam, though the connection is debated.”
Medieval Southeast Asia
Thai/Khmer
Siam
“A historical name for the Thai kingdom and its people; the precise local origin remains uncertain.”
16th Century
Portuguese
Sião
“Portuguese form of the kingdom’s name, transmitted through European travel and trade.”
17th Century
English
Siam
“The English name for the Southeast Asian kingdom later renamed Thailand.”
17th Century
English
Siamese
“Formed from Siam plus the suffix -ese, meaning “of or relating to Siam.””
19th Century
English
Siamese twins
“A term popularized after Chang and Eng Bunker, conjoined brothers born in Siam.”
Modern English
English
Siamese
“Relating to Thailand or its former name; also used in established terms such as Siamese cat and Siamese twins.”