What does cornual mean?
Cornual is a specialized adjective meaning “of or like a horn.” In general descriptive use, it applies to a structure that is pointed, curved, or otherwise horn-shaped; the word is especially associated with anatomy, zoology, botany, and medicine. Medical writers also use it for a uterine cornu, most recognizably in the term cornual pregnancy, which denotes an implantation in a horn of the uterus rather than in the main uterine cavity. The word can likewise describe anatomical features connected with the horns or cornua of the brain’s ventricles. Cornual is precise but uncommon, and it should not be confused with the ordinary use of “horny” that carries a sexual sense. Its value lies in its specific associations: it identifies hornlike form and the several medical contexts in which a horn of the body is relevant. A reader encountering the word will usually be in a technical register, where the Latin-derived adjective efficiently replaces a longer description.
adjectiveHorn-shaped; of or relating to a horn. In anatomy and medicine, it may specifically refer to an anatomical cornu, such as a uterine horn or a horn of a cerebral ventricle.
- Resembling a horn or having a hornlike form.
- Relating to an anatomical horn or cornu, including a uterine horn or a horn of a cerebral ventricle.
"The skull has a distinctly cornual projection behind the eye socket."
"The skull has a distinctly cornual projection behind the eye socket."
"The scan revealed a cornual pregnancy, implanted in the uterine horn."
Cornual is a specialist term for the horn-shaped: its medical star turn is a pregnancy implanted in a uterine horn.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does cornual come from?
Cornual comes from Latin cornualis, meaning “of a horn” or “horn-shaped,” which was formed from cornu, the Latin word for “horn.” Its English uses have retained both a general sense of resemblance to a horn and more specialized anatomical senses involving structures called cornua. English words from the same root include cornu, cornea, cornate, and cornucopia, although their modern meanings have developed in different directions.
Related word forms
How cornual is actually used
A specialized and largely technical term used in anatomy, medicine, zoology, and botany. It is not a general substitute for “horny” when that ordinary word carries a sexual sense.
Easily confused with cornual
Corneal refers to the cornea of the eye, whereas cornual refers to a horn or something resembling one.