Cochleae cordis?

Posted by Bruce Kahl on September 07, 2001

In Reply to: Re: Cockles of my heart posted by R. Berg on September 07, 2001

: : Anybody know where this phrase originated and what it means?
: : "warms the cockles of my heart"

: Meaning: Causes a pleasant feeling of a sentimental kind, is comforting, is reassuring.
: Origin: Not clear. The shell of the cockle, a mussel, is somewhat heart-shaped, but that may not have produced this phrase.
: Entry from Webster's Second Unabridged, 1934: "Cockles of the heart: A phrase (in which 'cockles' is of uncertain meaning) denoting the depths of the heart; as, to 'delight, rejoice, cheer, warm,' etc., 'the cockles of one's heart.'"

Maybe cockles is a medical term.

The heart is composed of various parts that work in unison to pump blood throughout the body.

One of the parts of the heart is called a ventricle. I dont remember if the ventricle pumps in or sends blood out but it makes no difference in this discussion.

Anyway, the Latin term for the heart's ventricles is "cochleae cordis".

Could "cockle" be a corruption of "cochleae cordis"?

• Correction; derivation R. Berg 09/07/01
  • Re: Cockles ESC 09/07/01