tissue
/ˈtɪʃuː/
noun
Origin
Old French
tissu — woven
Overview
Meaning Now
- A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function in an organism.
- A fine, thin fabric, often woven or made of paper, used for various purposes.
- A complex or intricate arrangement of something (e.g., a tissue of lies).
Literal older meaning
woven fabric
Language path
Old French → Middle English → Modern English
Earliest form
tissue
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term transitioned from the literal craft of weaving fabric to describing the intricate, interlocking patterns found in both abstract ideas (lies) and biological organisms (cells).
Evolution
- Middle English
tissue
“a fine fabric or web of threads”
Originally referred strictly to textiles.
- 17th century
tissue
“a complex web or network of things”
Metaphorical use describing intricate structures.
- 19th century
tissue
“a biological collection of cells”
Scientific adoption of the term to describe the 'woven' nature of organic structures.
Connections
Word parts
tiss-
root
to weave
-ue
suffix
noun-forming suffix
Related across languages
French
tissu
fabric/woven
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Related to tissue
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.