Etymology IG/Leech

Mission: 

The mission of Leech is to explore the linguistic roots and stories behind medical terminology, helping students remember concepts more easily while appreciating the history and humanity embedded in the language of medicine.

Statement of Purpose:

leech

/lēCH/ 

(n1.) ""bloodsucking aquatic worm,"" from Old English læce, related to “leak” 

(n2.) physician, from Proto-Germanic roots meaning ""to heal"" or ""physician,"" leading to Old English læce (healer) 

The association between the two meanings grew because physicians famously used the aquatic worm for bloodletting (aka leeching) to balance the humors, a practice central to historical medicine. Over time, this led the terms to become synonymous in common usage, despite their originally separate linguistic roots. 

With that context in mind, Leech is a journal club hoping to identify historical/etymologic connections in medical terminology. We will hold monthly meetings to discuss key terms from our course material that have particularly interesting origins. We will also encourage participants to contribute any words/phrases they want to explore further!

Faculty Advisor: 

Dr. Evan Garofolo