'cecum' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'caecum', where 'caec-' meant 'blind'.

'cecum' entered English via Medieval/New Latin 'caecum' (also spelled 'caecum') and became established in English medical terminology as 'cecum'.

Initially it meant 'blind (part)' or 'blind pouch', but over time the meaning narrowed to the specific anatomical pouch at the junction of the small and large intestine.