Posted by diphascon on 12-12-2006 17:16
#12
Zeegers wrote:
So, the final question is: what is volvulus ?
I myself have never succeeded in mastering the etymology of 'volvulus' completely. It might be a case of 'potjeslatijn' (= bad modern latin). But in my mind the best way to treat volvulus is as a adjective.
Theo
Hello,
the main context the word "Volvulus" crossed my way is as a disease (some rotation of the intestine, Volvulus intestini, e.g.). It seems to say "something distorted" or "a distorted condition of sth.". And this is a noun. There is an indication in the genus "Onchocerca" (a parasitic worm), where "Onchocerca volvulus" is obviously the accepted correct name. So I tend to go for "Phyllomyia volvulus", whatever the idea behind this might be.
cheers - martin adler