Pontifex maximus pointed out that the term existed before there were any bridges in Rome and derived the word from Old Latin "pontis" (sic) meaning a powerful or absolute master, while others derived it from "potis facere" in the sense of "able to sacrifice". The last derivation is mentioned also by Varro, who rejected it, but it was the view of Pontifex Maximus Quintus Scaevola. Others have held that the word was originally "pompifex" (leader of public processions). The word "pons" originally meant "way" and "pontifex" would thus mean "maker of roads and bridges". Another opinion is that the word is a
Latin obscenity for urine was "ūrīna", which is attested in Latin as early as Cicero, and became the usual polite term. The relationship with the Greek verb ("oureō"), "to urinate", is not clear. In Classical Latin, however, the verb "ūrīnārī" meant "to dive into water", and "ūrīnātor" was "a diver", "ūrīnantēs" "those who dive". Catullus (37) writes contemptuously of a certain Spaniard who was one of the lovers of his girlfriend Lesbia: Another word for urine, but less commonly used, was "lōtium". This word relates to "lavāre", "to wash". The Romans, innocent of soap, collected urine as a source of ammonia to