squamous cell
/ˈskweɪməs sɛl/
noun
Origin
Latin
squama — scale (of a fish or reptile)
Overview
Meaning Now
- A type of flat, thin epithelial cell that resembles a fish scale, found in the lining of many body organs and the outer layer of the skin.
Literal older meaning
scale-like cell
Language path
Latin → English
Earliest form
squamous
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The term was formalized during the expansion of histological and pathological terminology in the 1800s, as scientists began classifying cells based on their morphological appearance under early microscopes.
Evolution
- Latin
squama
“scale”
- Late Latin
squamosus
“scaly”
- 17th century English
squamous
“scaly or scale-like”
Adopted into scientific nomenclature
- 19th century English
squamous cell
“specific anatomical cell type”
Medical anatomical terminology
Connections
Word parts
squam-
root
scale
-ous
suffix
possessing the qualities of
cell
compound
small room or biological unit
Related across languages
French
squameux
scaly
Italian
squamoso
scaly
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Related to squamous cell
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.