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Origin and history of sigmoid

sigmoid(adj.)

"shaped like the Greek letter sigma" in one of its forms, hence either "shaped like a C" (1660s) or "shaped like an S" (1786). From sigma (q.v.) + -oid. Especially of the flexure of the colon (1891). Related: Sigmoidal; sigmoidally.

also from 1660s

Entries linking to sigmoid

sigma

18th letter of the Greek alphabet, corresponding to Latin S; the name is a metathesis of Hebrew samekh. In uncial writing, shaped like an S or a C.

sigmoidoscope(n.)

"speculum for examining the lower bowels," 1895, from sigmoid (q.v.) in the colonic sense + -scope, with connective -o-. Related: Sigmoidoscopy.

-oid

word-forming element meaning "like, like that of, thing like a ______," from Latinized form of Greek -oeidēs (three syllables), from eidos "form," related to idein "to see," eidenai "to know;" literally "to see" (from PIE *weid-es-, from root *weid- "to see"). The -o- is connective or a stem vowel from the previous element. Often implying an incomplete or imperfect resemblance to the thing indicated.

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