Blackberries

26th May 202128th May 2021 By Simon

Words for blackberries and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*smiyoros = berry, berries
Old Irish (Goídelc)	smér = blackberry
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	smér = blackberry
Irish (Gaeilge)	sméar [sˠmʲiaɾˠ/sˠmʲeːɾˠ] = berry, blackberry sméarach = abounding in blackberries sméardhris = blackberry bush, bramble sméara dubha = blackberries púca na sméar = fruit-destroying pooka, herald of winter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	smeur [smiar] = bramble, blackberry, mulberry smeur-dhubh = blackberry smeur-craoibhe = mulberry smeur-loganach = loganberry smeur-Artaigeach = nagoonberry, Arctic bramble/raspberry (Rubus arcticus) craobh nan smeur = mulberry tree (Morus)
Manx (Gaelg)	smeyr = blackberry, berry smeyr ghoo = blackberry smeyr churree = cranberry smeyr fannag = crowberry smeyr loaganagh = cloudberry crouw smeyr = mulberry
Proto-Brythonic	*muɨar = blackberries, berries
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mwyar(en) [ˈmʊɨ̯.ar/ˈmʊi̯.ar] = blackberries, dewberries, brambles, briers, berries mwyara = to gather blackberries; to be idle mwyarbren = mulberry bush, blackberry bush, bramble mwyar Berwyn/ mwyar Doewan = wild raspberries, (Rubus idæus), cloudberries, (Rubus chamæmorus) mwyar y brain = bilberries, whimberries, whortleberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) mwyar y ddaear = dewberries (Rubus cæsius), cloudberries mwyar du(on) = blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) mwyar Ffrengig = mulberries, blackberries mwyar glas = dewberries mwyar Mair = mulberries, dewberries
Old Cornish	moyr(bren) = berries
Cornish (Kernewek)	mor(en) = berries mora = to gather blackberries mor du = blackberries
Old Breton	moiaroc = berries
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mouar(enn) = blackberries, berries; bramble, mulberry tree mouar du / mouar gouez = blackberries, dewberries mouar gwenn = mulberries mouar ruz = red mulberries

Etmology: unknown

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Plums

19th May 202113th June 2024 By Simon

Words for plums, damsons, sloes, and related words, in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	agrinyom/agrinyā = sloe, small plum, berry
Old Irish (Goídelc)	áirne = sloe
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	áirne, airnne = sloe, kernel áirnech = abounding in sloes áirnechán = little sloe
Irish (Gaeilge)	airne [ˈɑːɾˠn̠ʲə / ˈæːɾˠn̠ʲə] = sloe, gland airneog = sloe tree, blackthorn biotáille airní = sloe gin
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	àirne [aːr̪n̪ʲə] = blackthorn, sloe (berry), wild plum (prunus domestica), damson (prunus domestica insititia) àirneag = sloe bush
Manx (Gaelg)	airn = sloe, bullace airnagh = sloe-covered soo airney = sloe jam drine airn = blackthorn, sloe tree (Prunus spinosa)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eirin(en) = plum(s), damson(s), sloe(s) eirinha = to collect sloes or bullace eirinwyd = plum trees, sloe trees, blackthorn
Welsh (Cymraeg)	eirin(en) [ˈei̯rɪn] = plum(s), damson(s), sloe(s), bullace, berries, testicle(s) eirina = to collect sloes or bullace eirinog = bearing plums or sloes eirinwydd = plum trees, sloe trees, blackthorn eirin bwlas = bullace, wild plums (Prunus insititia), damsons eirin damasg/Damasgus = damson eirin Ffrainc/Ffrengig = prunes eirin gwlanog = peaches, apricots eirin gwynion = greengages eirin Mair = gooseberries eirin y moch = haws, hawthorn berries eirin morwydd = mulberries eirin peatus = nectarines eirin ysgaw = elderberries eirin y gors = crowberries
Old Cornish	yryn = sloes
Cornish (Kernewek)	eyrin(en) = sloe(s)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	<hirin, irin = sloes yrinenn = blackthorn
Breton (Brezhoneg)	irin(enn) [ˈiː.rĩn(n)] = sloe(s), sloe gin; pupil, eye irina = to look for sloes irineg = a place with sloes irinenn = blackthorn

Etmology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ógeh₂ (berry) [source]. The English word acorn comes from the same root, via the Proto-Germanic *h₂ógeh₂ [source]

Irish (Gaeilge)	pluma [ˈpˠlˠʊmˠə] = plum daimsín [ˈpˠlˠʊmˠə] = damson
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	plumais / plùmbais [pl̪ˠumɪʃ / pl̪ˠuːmbɪʃ] = plum daimsin [dãĩmʃɪn] = damson
Manx (Gaelg)	plumbis = plum damsyl = damson
Welsh (Cymraeg)	plemys(en) = plum(s)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pluman = plum plumbren = plum tree
Cornish (Kernewek)	ploum(en) = plum(s) ploum(en) sygh = prune(s)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	prun(enn), prun(en) = plum(s), testicule(s) prunec = sloe grove prunenn, prunen = plum tree
Breton (Brezhoneg)	prun(enn) = plum(s), testicule(s) pruneg, prunek = plum grove prunenn = plum tree

Etmology (plum): from the Middle English ploume/plomme (plum) from the Old English plūme/plume (plum), from the Proto-West Germanic *plūmā (plum), from the Latin prūnum (plum), from the Ancient Greek προῦμνον (proûmnon – plum). Prune comes from the same root [source]

Etmology (damson): from the Middle English damascene/damasyn/damacene (damson), from the Latin prūnum damascēnum (Damascene plum, plum of Damascus), from the Ancient Greek προῦμνον (proûmnon – plum) [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Milk

13th May 202130th October 2024 By Simon

Words for milk, and related words, in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*laxto- = milk
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lacht [l͈axt] = milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	lacht [l̪ˠɑxt̪ˠ / l̪ˠaxt̪ˠ] = milk, yield of milk; tears lachtadh = lacation; flooding (of eyes) lachaí = nursling lachtach = lactic, milky; tearful lachtbhán = milkwhite lachtmhar = lactiferous, milky, abounding in milk
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lac, lachd = sweet milk
Manx (Gaelg)	laghtveih = milk gauge, milk tester
Proto-Brythonic	*llaɨθ = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llaeth = milk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaeth [ɬaːɨ̯θ / ɬai̯θ] = milk; milk-like substance, latex; milt, soft roe llaetha(f), llaethu = to yield milk, lactate, feed with milk, turn to milk llaetheiddrwydd = milkiness, lactescence llaethiad = lactation llaethlyd = milk-like, milky llaethog = milky, abounding in milk llaethogrwydd, llaethedd = milkiness llaethwraig = milkmaid, dairymaid, good milker llaethyddol = dairy, dairying y Llwybr Llaethog the Milky Way
Old Cornish	lait = milk
Middle Cornish	leth, leyth = milk
Cornish (Kernewek)	leth = milk
Breton (Brezhoneg)	laezh [ˈlɛːs] = milk

Etmology: from the Vulgar Latin *lacte (milk), from the Latin *lac (milk), from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵlákt [source].

Proto-Celtic	*mlixtus = milk
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mlicht [mʲlʲixt] = milch, in milk (of cattle)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	blicht = milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	bleacht [bʲlʲaxt̪ˠ] = milk, milk yield
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bliochd [blixg] = milkiness, milk bliochdmhor [blixg(v)ər] = milky, full of milk bliochdach = milky, like milk, lacteous
Manx (Gaelg)	bluight = lactiferous, lacteal, galactic bluightagh, ollagh vluight = milking cows
Proto-Brythonic	*bliθ = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	blyth = milk lleurith = milk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	blith [bliːθ] = milch, lactating (of cow, etc), full of milk, in calf, in lamb, pregant, fruitful, productive, nourising; milk, dairy produce, lactation, dairying; profit, gain, advantage blithog, blithiog = milch, giving milk, full of milk, fruitful, productive, bearing offspring llefrith [ˈɬɛvrɪθ] = milk, new milk, sweet milk, fresh milk
Old Cornish	leuerid = milk
Breton (Brezhoneg)	livrizh = milk

Etmology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ml̥ǵtus, from *h₂melǵ- (milk, to milk) [source].

The Welsh word llefrith, which is used in North Wales, comes from llef (weak) and blith (milk) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bandyo- = drop
Old Irish (Goídelc)	banne = drop, pustule bannán = small drop, droplet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bannae, bainne, banne = drop, pustule, milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	bainne [ˈbˠaɲə / ˈbˠan̠ʲə] = milk bainniúil = milky, milk-yielding bainniúilacht = milkiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bainne = milk boinne [bɔn̪ʲə] = drop, small quantity, liquid measure boinneag [bɔn̪ʲag] = droplet, little/small drop, (alcoholic) drink boinnean [bɔn̪ʲan] = droplet, wee drop
Manx (Gaelg)	bainney [banʲə] = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ban = drop (?)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ban, banna, banné = drop, a jot, the smallest portion of anything
Cornish (Kernewek)	banna = bit, drop
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	banne, bannhe, bannech = drop, droplet
Breton (Brezhoneg)	banne [ˈbã.nːe] = drop, droplet, glass banneata = to drink shots

Etymology: uncertain. Possibly related to French bain (bath) in French, baño (bath, bathroom, toilet), bagno (bath, to swin, bathe, bathroom) in Italian, and bania (jug, can, container, churn) in Polish [source].

Other words for milk in Proto-Celtic include: *glaxtā-, *melgos-, *mlig-e/o-, *seigi- and *sutu-.

Sources: Wiktionary, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Teanglann.ie, Am Faclair Beag, An etymological dictionary of the Gaelic language, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Gaelg Corpus, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionaire diachronique du breton, Dictionnaires bilingues de Francis Favereau / Edition Skol Vreizh, TermOfis

Bridges

16th March 202117th April 2024 By Simon

Words for bridges and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	drochet [ˈdroxʲed] = bridge
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drochet, drochat, droichet = bridge, causeway drochetech, drochetóir = bridge-maker
Irish (Gaeilge)	droichead [ˈd̪ˠɾˠɛçəd̪ˠ] = bridge droichead crochta = suspension bridge droichead tógála = drawbridge droichead meáite = weigh bridge droichead veidhlín = bridge of a violin droichead sróine = bridge of the nose
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	drochaid [drɔxɪdʲ] = bridge drochaid air fleodradh = pontoon drochaid-thogalach, drochaid-thogail = drawbridge drochaid-choise = footbridge drochaid-rathaid = road bridge, viaduct drochaid-thionndain = swing bridge
Manx (Gaelg)	droghad = bridge, bridge of ship, arch, gantry droghad aae = viaduct droghad cassee = swing bridge droghad coshey = gangway, footbridge droghad croghit = suspension bridge droghad keesh = toll bridge droichead meihaghey = weigh bridge

Etymology: from Old Irish droch (wheel, circlet) and sét (path) [source].

Gaulish	ponto = bridge
Proto-Brythonic	*pont = bridge
Cumbric	*pont = bridge
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	pont = bridge
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pont, pynt = bridge, drawbridge
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pont [pɔnt] = bridge, drawbridge, viaduct, aqueduct pontio = to bridge (a gap), to transition pont godi = drawbridge pont grog = suspension bridge pont trwyn = bridge of the nose pont y glaw, pont law = rainbow pont ysgwydd = collar-bone, clavicle pontio = to bridge, span, arch pont(i)og = like a bridge, arched of the nature of a bridge pont(i)wr, pontydd = a bridge-builder pontyddiaeth = bridge-building
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	pons = bridge
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pons = bridge
Cornish (Kernewek)	pons = bridge ponsfordh = viaduct pons travalya = travelling bridge
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pont = bridge
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pont [pɔ̃nt] = bridge, top of the furrow, culvert, trigger guard pontan, pontañ = to bridge, lay flat stones (on a ditch or stream) pont-tro = swing bridge pont hent-houarn = railway bridge pont dilestrañ = bridge, deck (of ship) pont kargañ = loading deck pont-tro = swing bridge

Etymology: from Latin pōns (bridge, deck), from Proto-Indo-European *pónteh₁s (path, road), from *pent- (path). Words from the same roots include pont (bridge) in French, puente (bridge) in Spanish, път [pɤt] (road, way, path, journey, way) in Bulgarian source].

Proto-Celtic	*brīwā = bridge
Gaulish	briua = bridge
Leptonic	𐌐𐌓𐌖𐌉𐌀𐌌 (pruiam) = funerary construction (perhaps a grave)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerw/*bʰrēw (wooden flooring, decking, bridge), which is also the root of the English words bridge and brig, and Brücke (bridge) in German [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Frosty Ice

25th February 202131st October 2023 By Simon

Words for frost, ice, cold and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸreswos = frost
Old Irish (Goídelc)	réúd [r͈ʲeːu̯ð] = frost
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	reód = frost
Irish (Gaeilge)	reo [ɾˠoː / ɾˠɔː] = frost reodóg = icicle reoigh = to freeze, congeal, solidify reoiteach = frosty, chilling reoiteacht = frostiness reoiteog, uachtar reoite = ice cream reomhar = frigid
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	reòth [r̪ˠɔː] = frost, freeze, become frozen, congeal reòite [r̪ˠɔːdʲə] = frozen, frosty, icy reòthtach [r̪ˠɔːhdəx] = freezing, frosty reòthadh = freeze reòthadair [r̪ˠɔ.ədɪrʲ] = deep-freeze, freezer stob reòta, caisean-reòta, boidean-reòthaidh = icicle
Manx (Gaelg)	rio = frost, freezing, ice riojey = to freeze, ice up rioeeagh = freezing, frosty rioeeaght = frostiness rioghar, bwoid rioee, kibbin rioee = icicle riojag, key riojey, key riojit = ice-cream rio-stroo, awin rioee = glacier
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rew, reo, rev = frost rewlyt, rewlyd, rewllid = icy, freezing, frozen
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhew [r̥eːu̯ / r̥ɛu̯] = (hoar-) frost, ice rhewaidd = freezing, frosty, icy rhewedig = frozen, icy, extremely cold rhewi = to freeze, preserve; anaesthetize, make numb rhewiadur = refrigerator rhewin = frosty weather rhewllyd, rhewlyd = icy, freezing, frozen, very cold, frigid rhew bargod = icicle rhew du = black ice gwŷn rhew = frost-bite rhedlif rhew = glacier
Old Cornish	reu = ice, frost
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	rew, reu = frost, ice
Cornish (Kernewek)	rew = ice, frost rewer = freezer rewi = to freeze rewys = frozen downrewi = deep-freeze, freezer dehen rew = ice cream furvell rew = ice tray kub rew = ice cube skes rew = ice skate
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	reau, reo, réau, rëu = frost, frozen
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rev = frost, freezing, freeze rev du = black ice rev noz = night frost

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *prews- (to freeze, frost), which is also the root of the word frost in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*yegis = ice
Old Irish (Goídelc)	aigred = ice aigretta = icy, frozen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aig = ice aigide = icy
Irish (Gaeilge)	oighear [əiɾʲ] = ice oighear dubh = black ice oighreach = glacial leac oighir = (sheet of) ice
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eigh [ej] = ice eigh-bheinn = iceberg eigh-shruth = glacier leac-eighe = ice-floe linn-eighe = ice age pac-eigh = pack ice taigh-eighe = ice house
Proto-Brythonic	*jaɣ = ice
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ia, ya = ice, frost
Welsh (Cymraeg)	iâ [jaː] = ice, (hoar-) frost iaaidd = glacical, icy iaënnol = glacical, icy iaeth, iaaeth = iciness, frost, cold, severe winter weather ialyd = icy, freezing, very cold iaog = icy, freezing, frozen iain = very cold, freezing, icy
Old Cornish	iein = ice
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	iein, iên, yein, yeyn, yên = cold (as ice), frigid ieinder, iender, yender, yeinder = frigidity, coolness
Cornish (Kernewek)	yey = ice yeyn = cold yeynder = cold yeynell, yeyner = fridge yeynhe = to chill, become cold
Middle Breton (Brezoneg)	yen = cold
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yen = cold yenaat = to cool down, relax yenadur = coolness, cooling, chill yenañ = to cool, refrigerate, detach yender = cold, coolness

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁yeg- (ice, frost), which is also the root of the English word icicle [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ougros = cold
Gaulish	Ogronnios = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úar [uːa̯rʲ] = cold úacht = cold, coldness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úar = cold, cool. refreshing, unfriendly ind(ḟ)úar = very cold, chilly, cool, refreshing, pleasing, entertaining úacht, ócht, ocht = cold, coldness, numbness
Irish (Gaeilge)	fuar [fˠuəɾˠ] = cold, apathetic, raw, uncooked fuaraigh = to cool, make cold, chill, relieve, pass (away) fuaráil = coolness, indifference, reserve fuaraíocht = coldness, chilliness fuarálach = cold, indifferent, reserved fuacht = cold, chill, apathy fuachtán = chilblain
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fuar [fuər] = cold fuarachd [fuərəxg] = coldness, chilliness, chilblain, mildew, dampness fuarachdainn [fuərəxgɪn̪ʲ] = cooling, easing, relieving fuaradair [fuərədɪrʲ] = fridge, refrigerator fuaraichte [fuərɪçdʲə] = cooled, refrigerated, eased, relieved fuarail [fuəral] = chilly, chilling fuaralachd [fuərəl̪ˠəxg] = coldness, frigidity
Manx (Gaelg)	feayr = chill, cold, cool, frigid, frosty, ice, distant (of person) feayght = chill, cold, exposure feayraghey = chill, cool, refrigerate, alienation feayraght = chill, cold, coldness feayrit = chilled, cooled, refrigerated
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	oir, oer = cold, cool oerai, oeri = to make/become/grow cold or cool oyrder = cold(ness), cool(ness), chill, indifference, apathy oered = coldness, chill oervel, oeruel = cold(ness), chill
Welsh (Cymraeg)	oer [jaː] = cold, cool, sad, dejected, miserable, coldness, child, cold vegetables, fruit and salad oeraf, oeri = to make/become/grow cold or cool, lose zeal, become depressed oeraidd = rater cold, coolish, coldish, chilly, unenthusiastic, apathetic, indifferent oerder = cold(ness), cool(ness), chill, indifference, apathy oeredd = coldness, chill oerfa = cool place, shade oerfel = cold(ness), chill oergell = refrigerator, freezer, cold cell
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	oir = cold, frigid
Cornish (Kernewek)	oor = bitterly cold, glacial, icy

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃ewǵ- (cold), which is also the root of the Lithuanian word aušti (cold) [source].

Another word for ice in Breton is skorn – etymology unknown.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Time & Weather

26th December 20202nd February 2024 By Simon

Words for time and weather in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	ammen-, amo- = time
Old Irish (Goídelc)	amm = time
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	amm = time, point of time
Irish (Gaeilge)	am [aumˠ / ɑːmˠ / amˠ] = time, point of time, occasion, usual, due, proper, opportune, season, period am ar bith = at any time ó am go ham = from time to time amadóir = timepiece, timer amchlár, clár ama = time-table amchrios = time zone amscála = time scale
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	àm [ãũm/amə] = time, occasion, period àm air bith = whenever àm-latha = daytime àm nam pòg = honeymoon (“time of kissing”)
Manx (Gaelg)	am = time ec yn am = in the nick of time

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *h₂etmn̥ (wandering), from *h₂et- (to go), which is also the root of words such as annual in English, an(née) (year) in French and año (year, age) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*amsterā = time, moment
Old Irish (Goídelc)	aimser [ˈamʲsʲer] = time, age, period, season
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aimser [ˈamʲɕər] = point of time, period of time, span, spell, period, age, epoch, season. weather aimseradt = period, duration aimserdae = belonging to time, temporal
Irish (Gaeilge)	aimsir [ˈamʲʃəɾʲ / ˈæːmʲʃəɾʲ] = mind, mental state, disposition, attention, spirits, intention, accord aimseartha = temporal
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aimsir [ɛmɛʃɪrʲ] = climate, weather, season, era, time, reign aimsireil [ɛmɛʃɪrʲal] = of this world, temporal
Manx (Gaelg)	emshir [ˈɛmʃər] = weather, weather conditions, tense, time
Old Welsh	amser = time
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	amser [ˈamser] = time amserav = to time, date amserawl, amseraỽl = timely
Welsh (Cymraeg)	amser [ˈamsɛr / ˈamsar] = time, occasion, date, opportunity amseraf, amseru = to time, date, occur, come to pass amseriad = date, a timing, time, tempo (in music) amserlen = timetable amserlin = timeline, schedule amsernod = noteworty, epoch, period, era, time signature amserol = timely, well-timed, topical, seasonable, opportune, suitable, temporal, transient, temporary amserolder = timeliness, seasonableness
Old Cornish	anser = time
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	amser = time
Cornish (Kernewek)	amser = (grammatical) tense amseryow = menstruation, period
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	amser, amzer = time, weather
Breton (Brezhoneg)	amzer [ˈãm.zɛr] = time, weather amzeran, amzerañ = to delay, to fix (in time) amzereg = timer amzeroni = chronology amzervezh = time, era

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂meh₁- (to mow, reap, harvest), from Proto-Celtic *amm (time) – see above [source].

Proto-Celtic	*trātu = time, hour
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tráth [traːθ] = time, hour, period (of time)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tráth [traːθ] = period of time, hour, point in time, day tráthach = timely tráthamail = timely
Irish (Gaeilge)	tráth [t̪ˠɾˠɑː / t̪ˠɾˠæː] = hour, time, occasion, day, period tráthaí = person who keeps regular hours tráthchlár = timetable tráthchuid = instalment tráthnóna = afternoon, evening (up to nightfall) tráthrialta = at regular times, regularly, punctually tráthúil = timely, opportune, apt, felicitous, witty tráthúlacht = timeliness, opportuneness, aptness, wittiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tràth [traː] = time, meal, (grammatical) tense, when, phrase, season
Manx (Gaelg)	traa = duration, time, period, occasion, tempo
Proto-Brythonic	*trọd = course, voyage
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	traỽt, traỽd, trawt, trawd = course, way, journey, career, movement, gait, assault, attack
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trawd, trawdd = course, way, journey, career, movement, gait, assault, attack trawenaf, trawenu = to go (over/through), cross, travel
Cornish (Kernewek)	trad = trade, way

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *terh₂- (to cross over, pass through, overcome) [source]. Words from the same roots include enter, term, terminal, thorough, through and transaction in English, and tarddu (to emerge, sprout, explode) in Welsh [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷritus = time, movement, shape, magical transformation
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cruth [kruθ] / crud [kruð] = form, shape, manner, way
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cruth = form, shape, appearance, shapeliness cruthach = shapely, fair, beautiful cruthaid = to create, form cruthaigidir = to create, shape, form, produce cruthmar = shapely
Irish (Gaeilge)	cruth [kɾˠʊ(h)] = shape, appearance, state, condition, manner, mode cruthach = shapely cruthaigh = to create, form, prove cruthaíocht = shape, appearance, good physique cruthaitheach = creative cruthú = creation, proof, testimony cruthúil = shapely, beautiful, likely, plausible
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cruth [kruh] = form, shape, figure cruthach [kruhəx] = real, shapely, well-formed cruthachadh [kruhəxəɣ] = (act of) creating, creation, (act of) forming cruthachas [kruhəxəs] = creativity cruthachd [kruhəxg] = form, complexion, creation cruthadair [kruhədɪrʲ] = creator
Manx (Gaelg)	croo = shape, appearance, format, coinage, creation, create, coining, form, build crooaghey = shape crootagh = creative, creator crootaght = creativity
Proto-Brythonic	*prɨd = shape, form
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pryd, prid, pryt = sight, appearance prydu, prydaf = to compose poetry prydaw = beautiful, lovely prydfawr, pryduawr = very beautiful or graceful, splendid, inspired pryduerth, prytuerth = beautiful, splendid, handsome, fine, fair, seemly, decent
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pryd [prɨːd / priːd] = sight, appearance, aspect, complexion, colouring, face, shape, form, comeliness, beauty prydaf, prydu = to compose poetry, versify, write (a poem), to devise, compose prydaw = beautiful, lovely prydfawr = very beautiful or graceful, splendid, inspired prydferth = beautiful, splendid, handsome, fine, fair, seemly, decent prydferthaf, prydferthu = to make beautiful, beautify, grace, adorn, embellish, flourish

Proto-Celtic	*kʷritus = time, movement, shape, magical transformation
Proto-Brythonic	*prɨd = time
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pryt, pryd = time. occasion, period, season
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pryd [prɨːd / priːd] = time, occasion, period, season, day, meal(time), when, while prydlon = punctual, prompt, timely, seasonable; suitable, appropriate, proper prydlondeb, prydlonder, prydlonedd = punctuality, timeliness, seasonableness pryd(i)ol = timely, seasonable, punctual
Old Cornish	prit = hour, time
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	prys, prês, preys = a stated time, a while, time, season, mealtime, a meal
Cornish (Kernewek)	prys = season, time, while prysweyth = instant, occasion
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pret = moment
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pred = moment, meal predadenn = (good) meal

Etymology (of both the above words): from the Proto-Indo-European *kʷer- (to do, make, build). Words from the same roots include Britain, Brittany and karma in English, and words for cauldron in Celtic languages [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywyd = weather
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywydd [ˈtəu̯.ɨ̞ð / ˈtəu̯.ɪð] = weather, bad or stormy weather tywyddiant = meterology tywyddol = pertaining to the weather
Cornish (Kernewek)	tewedh = storm tewedha = to weather

Etymology: unknown

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Knees

19th December 202026th September 2024 By Simon

Here are some words for knee and related things in Celtic languages, as well as related words in other languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*glūnos = knee
Old Irish (Goídelc)	glún [ɡluːn] = knee
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	glún, glun, glūn = knee, generation, pedigree glúnmar, glunmár = big-kneed
Irish (Gaeilge)	glúin [ɡl̪ˠuːnʲ / ɡlˠuːnʲ] = knee, generation, step (in a series), node glúineach = (big-)kneed, noded, nodulous, branching, proliferous glúinfheacadh = genuflection glúiníneach = swelling in knees glúinteas = housemaid’s knee bean ghlúine = midwife
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	glùin [ɡl̪ˠuːn̪ʲ] = knee, generation, lap glùn [gl̪ˠuːn] = knee, generation glùineach [ɡl̪ˠuːn̪ʲəx] = pertaining to knees, kneed, jointed; large-kneed woman glùineachan [ɡl̪ˠuːn̪ʲəxan] = garter glùineag [ɡl̪ˠuːn̪ʲag] = (act of) kneeing bean-ghlùine = midwife
Manx (Gaelg)	glioon [ɡlʲuːnʲ] = joint, knee crooked timber glioon-lhoobey = genuflect, genuflection glioonagh = jointed, kneed gliooney = to kneel, kneeling glioon(i)t = kneed, kneeled
Proto-Brythonic	*glin = knee
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	glin = knee pen y lin, penn glin = knee
Welsh (Cymraeg)	glin [ɡliːn] = knee pen (g)lin [pɛnˈ(ɡ)liːn] = knee glingam = knock-kneed, bow-legged gliniadur = laptop (computer) glinio = to kneel, knee, pod gliniog = kneed, jointed, knotty
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	glin = knee penglin, penclin, pedn glin = knee
Cornish (Kernewek)	glin [ˈɡliːn] = knee penn glin / pedn glin = kneecap
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glin = knee
Breton (Brezhoneg)	glin [ɡlĩːn] = knee penn-glin = knee (penn)glinañ = to kneel down, worship, bow one’s knee glinad = knee pain glineg = strong knees glinwisk = knee brace

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵónu (knee) [source]. Words from the same roots include genuflect (to bend the knee, grovel), knee and jeans in English; genou (knee, lap) in French; and knie (knee) in Dutch [source].

From the Proto-Celtic word *glūnos we also get the Proto-Celtic word *genwā ((river) bend), which is the root of the names Geneva, Genoa.

Fingers and Toes

2nd December 20202nd March 2024 By Simon

Words for finger, toe and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*makro = finger
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mér [mʲeːr] = finger, digit, toe
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mér, mer, meóir, meúir = finger, digit, toe
Irish (Gaeilge)	méar [mʲeːɾˠ] = finger, digit, toe, leg (of crustaceans, mollusks, etc), arm (of a cuttle fish) an mhéar thosaigh/cholbha = the forefinger, index finger an mhéar fhada/láir/mheáin = (the) middle finger méar an fháinne = ring finger an mhéar bheag / lúidín / lúideog = (the) little finger méar coise = toe
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meur [miar] = finger, digit, branch (of an organisation/family), key (in music), point (of an antler), knot (in wood) meur-meomhair = forefinger, index finger meur-meadhain / (am) meur fada / (am) meur meadhanach = middle finger màthair na lùdaige / mac an aba / am madadh fada = ring finger meur beag an airgid / plaoisgeag = little finger
Manx (Gaelg)	mair = finger, digit, prong, ray, (piano) key, hand (of clock), tributary (of river) corrag / corvair = the forefinger, index finger mair vooar = the middle finger mair ny fainey = ring finger mair veg = the little finger mair chass / mair choshey = toe mair choshey veg / mair veg ny coshey = little toe

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *mh₂ḱros (lean, meager), which is also the root of the English word meagre/meager, the French word maigre (meagre, skinny, lean, thin), and the Spanish word magro (lean)[source].

Proto-Celtic	bissī / bistis = finger
Old Irish (Goídelc)	biss = icicle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	biss, byss, bys = finger, toe, latch
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bys [bɨːs / biːs] = finger (of hand/glove), toe; medium, agency; hand (of clock); latch bys bawd = thumb bys blaen = forefinger, index finger bys y cogwrn = middle finger (“knuckle finger”) bys y gyfaredd = ring finger bys bach = little finger, ear-finger; minute-hand bys(i)aid = as much as can be held on or taken up by the finger, a pinch byseddaf, byseddu, bysedda = to finger, thumb, use the fingers byseddog = having fingers, fingered byseg = thimble bysfedd = finger’s breadth, digit byson = ring for the finger
Old Cornish	bis/bes = finger
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bis, bes = finger bis truit = toe bisou, besaw = ring
Cornish (Kernewek)	bys, bes = finger, digit bys bras = thumb bys rag = index finger bys kres = middle finger bys bysow = ring finger bys byghan / bes bian = little finger byskon = thimble bysow, besow = ring
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bes, bys, bis = finger besou, bisou = ring
Breton (Brezhoneg)	biz [biːs] = finger, hand (of clock), tooth (of tool), leg (of anchor), tentacle, tendril biz-meud = thumb biz-yod = index finger biz bras = middle finger biz-gwalenn / biz bizou = ring finger biz bihan / skouarnel = little finger bizou, bizoù [ˈbiːzu] = ring, jewel bizouier = jeweller bizour = jewel

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷist- (twig, finger). The French word bijou (a piece of jewellry), comes from the same root, via the Breton bizoù (ring), from biz (finger) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*māto = finger
Old Welsh (Kymraec)	máut = finger, toe, latch
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mawd, baut, bawd = finger, toe, latch
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bawd = thumb, big toe; claw (of crab), hoof bawd troed = big toe bawdheglaf, bawdheglu = to hitch-hike
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	meut = thumb
Cornish (Kernewek)	meus = thumb meusva = inch meusya = to hitchhike
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	meut = thumb
Breton (Brezhoneg)	meud [ˈmøːt] = thumb, pincer, claw meud-troad = big toe, toe meudadenn = grip (of the thumb) meudata = to knead with one’s thumb

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *mē- [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ordu = thumb, big toe
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ordu, órdu = thumb, big toe
Irish (Gaeilge)	ordóg [ˈəuɾˠd̪ˠoːɡ] = thumb, big toe, claw, pincers, bit, piece, fragment ordóg coise = big toe
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	òrdag [ɔːr̪ˠdag] = thumb, big toe òrdag-coise / òrdag-mhór = big toe òrdag-làimhe = thumb òrdag bheag an airgid = little toe, little finger
Manx (Gaelg)	ordaag = thumb ordaag chass / ordaag choshey / ordaag vooar = big toe

Etymology: possibly from the Old Irish ord/ordd (hammer, piece, fragment, stub), from the Proto-Celtic *ordos (hammer) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ladar = grasp, grip
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ladar, ladair = fork or space between the fingers or between the thumb and the rest of the hand; grip, grasp; space between the toes
Irish (Gaeilge)	ladhar [lˠaiɾˠ] = space between toes or fingers, toe, claw, prong, (clawed) hand ladhar mhór = big toe ladhar bheag = little toe laidhricín = little toe, little finger lúidín / lúideog = little finger, little toe lúidín coise = little toe
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ladhar [l̪ˠɤ.ər] = hoof, prong, toe, claw (of lobster) ladhrag [l̪ˠɤːrag] = toe, prong, hoof an ladhar mór = big toe lùdag / lùdag bheag / lùdag dhubh na catha [l̪ˠuːdag] = little finger, hinge

Etymology: unknown [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Eating

14th March 2020 By Simon

Words for to eat in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*essi = to eat
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ithid [ˈiθʲiðʲ] = to eat
Irish (Gaeilge)	ith [ɪ / ɪh] = to eat, feed, graze, bite, corrode, erode, consume, destroy, abuse, scold, revile, chew
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ith [iç] = to eat, gnaw, chew, devour, corrode, consume
Manx (Gaelg)	ee [i] = to eat, devour, feed, erode, kill off, dispose; consumption, eating, depletion
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysu [ˈəsɨ / ˈəsi] = to consume, eat, devour, destroy, ruin, corrode, erode, wear away, torment, itch
Old Cornish	esat = to eat, eating

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁édti (to eat) [Source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	bwyta [ˈbʊɨ̯ta / ˈbʊi̯ta] = to eat, consume, devour, ravage, waste, wear away, corrode, rust

Etymology: bwyd (food) +‎ –ha (denominative suffix) [Source].

Cornish (Kernewek)	dybri / debry = to eat
Old Breton	diprim = to eat
Breton (Brezhoneg)	debriñ [ˈde.bʁɪ̃] = to eat

Etymology: uncertain

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, MacBain’s Dictionary, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old-Irish Glossary, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Going, Going, Gone

13th March 202014th March 2020 By Simon

Words for to go in Celtic languages.

Note: this is one of the few irregular verbs in the celtic languages, and some different parts of the conjugations come from different roots.

Proto-Celtic	*tēgeti = to go, step
Old Irish (Goídelc)	téít [tʲeːdʲ] = to go, process, depart leave
Irish (Gaeilge)	téigh [tʲeːɟ / tʲeːj / tʲeː] = to go, move, proceed, get on, fare, make, cost
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tèid = will go – (future form of rach)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *stéygʰeti (to be walking, to be climbing) [Source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dul = to go, going
Irish (Gaeilge)	dul [d̪ˠʊlˠ] = going, passing, departure, way, method, means, proper, natural, arrangement, style – (verb noun of téigh)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dol [dɔl̪ˠ] = (act of) going, (act of) proceeding
Manx (Gaelg)	goll = to go, show out, disembark, going, sinking, passage, departure

Etymology: unknown

Proto-Celtic	*monītor = go
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	muinithir = goes around
Proto-Brythonic	*moned = go
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mynd [mɨ̞nd / mɪnd] = to go, leave, depart, die, disappear, perish, come to an end, elapse, pass
Cornish (Kernewek)	mos = to go, become
Breton (Brezhoneg)	monet = to go, to become

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *menH- [Source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Verbs

Blackberries

Plums

Milk

Bridges

Frosty Ice

Time & Weather

Knees

Fingers and Toes

Eating

Going, Going, Gone