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falx (FALKS, FAWLKS) - n., (hist.) a Dacian sword with a curved blade sharpened on the inside curve; (anat.) a structure, process, or organ shaped like a sickle.
The sword was long-handled, like a short pole-arm, and was wielded two-handed. A drawing based on depictions on Roman monuments:
Thanks, WikiMedia!
The Romans called it literally a sickle or scythe, from the shape. The anatomic structures are using the same root, and include the falx cerebelli, folds of dura matter separating the brain, as well as the fangs of poisonous snakes. The Latin word's root is PIE *dʰelk-/*dʰelg-, a cutting/piercing tool such as sickle or needle.
---L.
The sword was long-handled, like a short pole-arm, and was wielded two-handed. A drawing based on depictions on Roman monuments:
Thanks, WikiMedia!
The Romans called it literally a sickle or scythe, from the shape. The anatomic structures are using the same root, and include the falx cerebelli, folds of dura matter separating the brain, as well as the fangs of poisonous snakes. The Latin word's root is PIE *dʰelk-/*dʰelg-, a cutting/piercing tool such as sickle or needle.
---L.
