Medical language has a fascinating history, often stemming from the Latin language, Greek and Roman mythology or eponyms (conditions named after people). One personal favourite is the origin of the word narcissism or narcissist.

According to one Greek myth, Narcissus was the most beautiful Greek man, full of pride and arrogance. After he rejected the nymph Echo (which is the origin of the medical work echolalia), he was cursed into falling in love with his own reflection in a pool of water — thus, being unable to function and eventually turning into a flower.

However, some medical words are no longer appropriate. For example, Wegener granulomatosis and Reiter syndrome are no longer acceptable names, due to the Nazi ties from Friedrich Wegener and Hans Reiter. These two conditions are now known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis and reactive arthritis, respectively.

One controversial word that is still commonly used in medicine today is hysterectomy.