What does glossa mean?
Glossa is a rare noun meaning “the tongue.” In general anatomical language it refers to the tongue, especially of a vertebrate, while in entomology it can denote a tongue-like mouthpart of an insect. Its standard plural is glossae. Because the word belongs chiefly to formal, technical writing, an ordinary speaker will usually choose “tongue” instead. Glossa should not be confused with “gloss,” an explanation of a difficult word, although the two have the same historical root. The connection is etymological: both descend through Latin from Ancient Greek glōssa, “tongue,” and Greek words associated with obscure words and their explanations also produced English “gloss” and “glossary.” Glossa is consequently useful to readers of anatomy, entomology, classical references, and historical scientific prose, where the technical term may be more exact or stylistically appropriate.
nounThe tongue, especially of a human or other vertebrate. In entomology, it may also refer to a tongue-like organ or mouthpart of an insect.
- The tongue, especially of a human or other vertebrate.
- A tongue-like organ or mouthpart, especially of an insect.
"The entomologist examined the moth's glossa, a tongue-like mouthpart."
"The entomologist examined the moth's glossa, a tongue-like mouthpart."
"Outside an entomology manual, writers would normally say “tongue” rather than “glossa.”"
The standard plural is used particularly in anatomical and entomological writing.
"The entomology text refers to these tongue-like organs as glossae."
Ancient Greek for “tongue,” glossa gave English both the formal anatomical term and, by way of Latin, the word glossary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glossa come from?
English borrowed glossa from Latin glossa (“tongue”), which in turn came from Ancient Greek γλῶσσα (glōssa), “tongue.” The same Greek root underlies Latin glossa in the sense of an obscure word and Latin glossāre, “to explain,” from which English “gloss” and “glossary” developed. The anatomical word and the family of words about explanations are therefore historical cognates, despite their modern meanings being quite different.
Related word forms
How glossa is actually used
Glossa is a rare, formal or technical term. It belongs chiefly to anatomical and entomological writing, so it is unlikely to appear in ordinary conversation.
Easily confused with glossa
A glossa is a tongue or tongue-like organ, whereas a gloss is an explanation of a difficult or obscure word.