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Origin and history of squamous

squamous(adj.)

"scaly, scale-like, covered with scales," 1540s, from Latin squamosus "covered with scales, scaly," from squama "scale" of a fish or reptile, which is said to be related to squalus "foul, filthy" (see squalid).

Middle English had squame "a scale" (late 14c.), from Old French esquame, from Latin squama. The alternative form squamose is attested from 1660s. Other adjectives used in essentially the same sense include squamaceous, squameous, squamosal, squamellate, squamate, squamigerous, squamiferous, squamiform.

also from 1540s

Entries linking to squamous

squalid(adj.)

"foul, filthy, extremely dirty," especially from lack of care or cultivation, 1590s, from French squalide and directly from Latin squalidus "rough, coated with dirt, filthy," related to squales "filth," squalus "filthy," squalare "be covered with a rough, stiff layer, be coated with dirt, be filthy," all of uncertain origin. De Vaan offers no etymology. Figuratively, "morally degraded or repulsive," 1650s. Related: Squalidly; squalidness; squalidity.

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