Testicular
/tɛˈstɪkjələr/noun
Relating to the testicles.
Did you know?The root behind *testicular* is linked to Latin *testis* (“witness”), a famously debated connection that may reflect the idea of a male witness standing as proof in law and ritual.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*tri-sth₂-/*tes-
“A proposed ancient root group associated with standing as a third party or witness; the exact pre-Latin history is debated.”
Latin
Latin
testis
“Witness; later also used for the male reproductive organ in learned Latin usage.”
Late Latin
Latin
testiculus
“Diminutive form meaning little witness / testicle.”
Old French
Old French
testicule
“Testicle.”
Middle English
English
testicle
“Testicle, the male gonad.”
16th Century
English
testicular
“Relating to the testicles.”