Squamose
/ˈskweɪ.moʊs/noun
Covered with or resembling scales.
Did you know?Its root goes back to Latin *squama* (“scale”), the same ancient image used for fish, serpents, armor, and anything that looked like it was armored in layered protection.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
squāmōsus
“full of scales; scaly”
Classical Latin
Latin
squāma
“a scale, especially of a fish or serpent; also a thin flake or lamina”
Late Latin / Medieval Latin
Latin
squamōsus
“scaly, covered with scales”
16th–17th Century
English
squamose
“scaly; having scales or scale-like parts”
Modern English
English
squamose
“covered with or resembling scales”