periodontology
/ˌpɪərioʊdɒnˈtɒlədʒi/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
περί (peri) + ὀδούς (odous) + -λογία (-logia) — around + tooth + study of
Overview
Meaning Now
- The branch of dentistry concerned with the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the gums, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
Literal older meaning
study of the area around the tooth
Language path
Ancient Greek → New Latin → English
Earliest form
periodontology
Earliest period
20th century
Journey
The term emerged as dentistry professionalized in the early 20th century, separating the specialty of gum disease management from general restorative dentistry.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
peri- + odont-
“around the tooth”
Combinations of Greek roots
- Modern Scientific
periodont-
“relating to the periodontal tissues”
Coined in medical terminology
- English, 20th century
periodontology
“the medical specialty”
Standardized medical term
Connections
Word parts
peri-
prefix
around
odont-
root
tooth
-ology
suffix
study of
Related across languages
French
parodontologie
periodontology
Explore next
Related to periodontology
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.