What is the etymology of jejune?

jejune (adj.) 1610s, “dull in the mind, flat, insipid, wanting in interest,” from Latin ieiunus “empty, dry, barren,” literally “fasting, hungry,” a word of obscure origin.

What is a jejune person?

If you describe something or someone as jejune, you are criticizing them for being very simple and unsophisticated. [formal, disapproval] jejune generalizations. Synonyms: simple, silly, juvenile, naive More Synonyms of jejune.

What does duodenum mean in Latin?

The name duodenum is from Medieval Latin, short for intestīnum duodēnum digitōrum, which may be translated: intestine of twelve finger-widths (in length), from Latin duodēnum, genitive pl. of duodēnī, twelve each, from duodecim, twelve.

How do you use jejune?

He is able to read out of that somewhat jejune document the beneficial results which no doubt may flow from it. I think he regards in his own mind that this thing is rather jejune. He is being a trifle jejune when he uses one sort of criticism on one constitutional aspect and ignores it completely on another.

What language is jejune?

That term derives from the Latin jejunus, which means “empty of food,” “meager,” or “hungry.” Back in the 1600s, English speakers used jejune in senses very similar to those of its Latin parent, lamenting “jejune appetites” and “jejune morsels.” Something that is meager rarely satisfies, and before long jejune was …

What is the etymology of duodenum?

duodenum (n.) “first portion of the small intestine,” late 14c., also duodene, from Medieval Latin duodenum digitorium “space of twelve digits,” from Latin duodeni “twelve each” (from duodecim “twelve;” see dozen).

What does the prefix enter o mean?

the intestine
Entero-: Prefix referring to the intestine, as in enteropathy (a disease of the intestine) and enterospasm (a painful, intense contraction of the intestine).

What is a ensconce?

Definition of ensconce transitive verb. 1 : shelter, conceal ensconced themselves within the protection of three great elms— Mark Twain. 2 : establish, settle ensconced in a new job.

Where does the word pancreas come from?

The word pancreas comes from the Greek πᾶν (pân, “all”) & κρέας (kréas, “flesh”). The function of the pancreas in diabetes has been known since at least 1889, with its role in insulin production identified in 1921.

What prefix means liver?

Hepat-
Hepat- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “liver.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy. Hepat- comes from the Greek hêpar, meaning “liver.”