2797: Doublets of Spatha Aug 17, 2024

The terms "spade," "spatula," "epaulet," "spasm," and "espalier" all originate from the Latin root "spatha," which means "broad, flat tool or weapon." This Latin root itself is derived from the Greek "spathe," referring to a flat blade or paddle.

The word "spade" evolved from the Old English "spadu," which denoted a digging tool. "Spatula," derived from the Latin "spatula," is a diminutive form of "spatha," originally referring to a small flat instrument. The term "epaulet" comes from the French "épaulette," meaning "little shoulder," and initially described the flat ornamental shoulder piece on military uniforms. "Spasm," rooted in the Greek "spasmos," meaning a sudden, involuntary muscular contraction, is conceptually linked to the flat, blade-like appearance of contracting muscles. Finally, "espalier," from the Italian "spalliera" and Latin "spatula," refers to the flat, two-dimensional technique of training plants to grow against a support.