Trabecular
/trəˈbɛkjələr/noun
Relating to a trabecula or to a structure made of small interconnecting beams, plates, or fibers.
Did you know?In anatomy, trabecular bone forms a three-dimensional inner lattice that helps distribute mechanical forces while keeping bones relatively lightweight.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*treb-
“Beam, dwelling, or structural framework; the reconstructed root behind several words for buildings and supports.”
Classical Latin
Latin
trabs
“Beam, timber, or wooden structural member.”
Classical Latin
Latin
trabecula
“A small beam; the diminutive form of trabs.”
Late Latin
Latin
trabecula
“A little beam or narrow structural element, later used in anatomical and descriptive terminology.”
19th Century
English
trabecula
“A small structural beam, fiber, or partition, especially in anatomy and biology.”
Modern English
English
trabecular
“Relating to trabeculae or to a lattice-like structure made of small beams, plates, or fibers.”