Amygdalus

/əˈmɪɡdələs/ noun

Definition

The almond tree or the almond fruit; also the anatomical name for the tonsil or almond-shaped structure.

Etymology

From Latin amygdala, borrowed from Greek amygdale. The word entered European languages through Latin and became the scientific genus name for almond trees (Amygdalus communis). It was used anatomically to name the tonsil due to its almond-like shape.

Kelly Says

The scientific name for almond trees is literally just the Latin word for almond—Amygdalus! This makes amygdalus one of the oldest words in the modern scientific name system, showing how botanists simply borrowed the common name rather than inventing something new.

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