Filum

/ˈfaɪləm/ noun

Definition

A thread-like anatomical structure; a thin, thread-shaped part of the body or organism, used in medical and biological terminology.

Etymology

From Latin filum (thread, filament), related to Latin filare (to spin). This learned term was borrowed directly from Latin by anatomists and biologists to describe thin, thread-like structures.

Kelly Says

The filum terminale is a delicate thread of tissue at the tip of your spinal cord—knowing the Latin root 'filum' for thread helps you understand dozens of medical terms without memorizing them!

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