The Spanish word 'anular' has two distinct meanings and etymological paths. As an adjective meaning 'relating to a ring' or 'ring-shaped', it comes from the Latin word 'anularis', which was formed from 'anus' (meaning 'ring') combined with the suffix '-aris' (meaning 'relating to').

The second meaning of 'anular' is a verb meaning 'to nullify' or 'to cancel'. This form developed from combining the Spanish verbal prefix 'a-' with 'nulo' (meaning 'null', from Latin 'nullus') and the verbal suffix '-ar'.

A simpler related Spanish word is 'nulo', meaning 'null' or 'void'. When you understand that 'nulo' means 'null', it's easier to remember that the verb 'anular' means 'to nullify' or 'to make null'.

The English word 'annular', meaning 'ring-shaped' or 'relating to a ring', shares the same Latin root 'anus' (ring) with the Spanish adjective 'anular'. This connection is visible in terms like 'annular eclipse' (when the moon creates a ring-shaped view of the sun). Additionally, the English words 'null' and 'nullify' are related to the verbal form of Spanish 'anular', both coming from Latin 'nullus'.