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sigmoid

[sig-moid]
adjective
  1. shaped like the letter C.
  2. shaped like the letter S.
  3. of, relating to, or situated near the sigmoid flexure of the large intestine.
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Sometimes sig·moi·dal [sig-moi-dl] /sɪgˈmɔɪ dl/.

Origin of sigmoid

First recorded in 1660–70, sigmoid is from the Greek word sigmoeidḗs shaped like a sigma. See sigma, -oid
Related formssig·moi·dal·ly, adverbpost·sig·moid, adjectivepost·sig·moi·dal, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for sigmoidal

Historical Examples

  • A sigmoidal fold, showing a bed xx in an overfold with arch (a), trough (t) and common limb c.

    The Principles of Stratigraphical Geology

    J. E. Marr

British Dictionary definitions for sigmoidal

sigmoid

adjective Also: sigmoidal
  1. shaped like the letter S
  2. of or relating to the sigmoid colon of the large intestine
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noun
  1. See sigmoid colon
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Word Origin

C17: from Greek sigmoeidēs sigma-shaped
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for sigmoidal

sigmoid

adj.

"shaped like a C" (1660s) or "shaped like an S" (1786), from sigma (q.v.) + -oid. Especially of the flexure of the colon (1891).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
sigmoidal in Medicine

sigmoid

(sĭg′moid′)
adj.
  1. Having the shape of the letter S.
  2. Of or relating to the sigmoid flexure of the colon.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.