Sulcal
/ˈsʌl.kəl/noun
Relating to a sulcus, or groove, especially a groove on the surface of the brain.
Did you know?Neuroanatomists call the brain’s grooves sulci because Renaissance anatomists compared the folded cerebral surface to furrowed soil.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*selk-
“To cut or carve a groove; a reconstructed root associated with furrows and incisions.”
Classical Latin
Latin
sulcus
“A furrow, trench, or groove made by plowing.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
sulcus
“A groove or anatomical depression, extending the agricultural image into medical description.”
19th Century
New Latin
sulcalis
“Relating to a sulcus or groove.”
Modern English
English
sulcal
“Relating to a groove, especially one of the brain’s anatomical grooves.”