Sycon
/ˈsaɪ.kɒn/noun
A fig-like fruiting structure, especially in figs, and a corresponding body form or canal system in certain sponges.
Did you know?Ancient Greek sýkon meant “fig,” and biologists reused the word because both fig structures and certain sponge forms resemble enclosed chambers packed with openings.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
σῦκον (sŷkon)
“Fig; the fruit of the fig tree”
Hellenistic Greek
Greek
sykon
“Fig or fig-like structure”
Late Latin
Latin
sycon
“A fig-like botanical or anatomical structure”
19th Century
Scientific English
sycon
“A fig-like structure in botany and a simple canal-system form in sponges”
Modern English
English
sycon
“A fig-like fruiting structure or sponge body form”