Cotyle

/ˈkɒtaɪl/ noun

Definition

A variant or shortened form of cotyla, referring to a small cup-shaped anatomical structure.

Etymology

Simplified form of cotyla, from Greek kotyle. The -e ending is common in medical Latin to mark nouns of Greek origin.

Kelly Says

Many scientific words have multiple acceptable spellings—cotyle vs. cotyla shows how medicine borrowed Greek roots but then adapted them in different ways, creating acceptable variations that confuse modern students.

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