Vernix
/ˈvɜː.nɪks/noun
A creamy white substance that covers a newborn baby’s skin before birth.
Did you know?In Latin, vernix was used for a kind of varnish or resinous coating, which is why the newborn’s skin film was later named for its slick, protective appearance.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
vernix
“a resinous coating, varnish, or glaze”
Late Latin
Latin
vernix caseosa
“the cheese-like protective coating on a fetus”
Medieval Latin
Latin
vernix
“a protective or glossy coating”
Modern English
English
vernix
“the waxy white substance covering a fetus or newborn”