'anguis' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'anguis,' where the root meant 'snake' or 'serpent'.

'anguis' was adopted into New Latin as the zoological genus name 'Anguis' and entered English scientific usage as 'Anguis'.

Initially, it meant 'snake' in Latin; in English usage it remains a rare poetic word for 'serpent' and, in scientific contexts, the New Latin genus name for slowworms.