Fistule

/fɪsˈtul/ noun

Definition

An older or alternative spelling of fistula, or a specialized term for a fistula in veterinary or older medical contexts.

Etymology

Direct from Latin fistula, this represents an intermediate spelling between Latin and modern English medical terminology, still used in some European medical traditions.

Kelly Says

The word 'fistule' shows how English medical vocabulary borrowed directly from Latin and kept multiple spellings—French doctors still primarily use 'fistule,' showing how the same ancient Roman term scattered across modern European languages.

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