Aqueduct
L. aqua = water, and ductus = a canal. In Latin the word was spelled aquaeductus, therefore the spelling with an e.
Arachnoid
Gr. arachne = spider, and eidos = resemblance. From this root came the Latin term arachnoides = spider-like. Used to describe the coweb-like membrane covering the brain and spinal cord.
Arenavirus
L. arena = "sand". Viewed in cross-section, arenaviruses contain grainy particles that are ribosomes acquired from their host cells. It is from this characteristic that they acquired the name arena,…
Areola
L. area = a courtyard or space, and diminiutive suffix –ola. A term used in several ways, but especially applied to the pigmented area around the nipple.
Artery
Gr. perhaps from aer = air, and terein = to keep. This derivation suggests the ancient belief that arteries were windpipes. Adopted into Latin as arteria with the same meaning until the time of Harvey.
Articulation
L. articulus, diminuitive or arthus = joint, and atio = a suffix, originally denoting action.
Arytenoid
Gr. arytaina = a pitcher, and eidos = resemblance. The arytenoid cartilages were thought to resemble little pitchers.
Ascites
Gr. askos = a bag or bladder. Applied to a fluid-filled abdomen, often seen in liver cirrhosis.
Astigmatism
Gr. a = not, and stigma = a point. Hence a failure of the eye to focus light on the retina.
Astrocyte
Gr. astron = a star, and kytos = a vessel or cell. Applies to star-shaped cells.
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