Definition:Loculus of Archimedes/Linguistic Note

Linguistic Note on Loculus of Archimedes

The word loculus is Latin for little box.

The word Ostomachion derives from the Greek Ὀστομάχιον, which means bone-fight, from ὀστέον (osteon), meaning bone, and μάχη (mache), which means fight, battle, or combat.

That is, it is a combat (with the mind), a puzzle, whose tools are pieces manufactured out of bones, or pieces of ivory.

The word Stomachion, which appears in some ancient manuscripts, appears to be a corruption of Ostomachion.

While some sources state that stomachion derives from the word stomach (perhaps because the dissection problems cause disruption to one's digestion), this is believed to be a common mistake.