Reconstruction:Proto-Yoruba/ɛ-wʊ́rɛ́

This Proto-Yoruba entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Yoruba

Etymology

A well-attested word widespread across Niger Congo, see Proto-Yoruboid *é-ɓó for more cognates. In some descendants, this term became the dominant term in comparison to the synonymous term *ì-dérègbè, *ì-kérègbè, while many dialects kept both forms. Equivalent to *e-wú (“goat”) +‎ *-rɛ́, the "rɛ́" compounding is of unknown origin but is a Proto-Yoruba innovation. Also possibly Doublet of *ɔ̀-bʊ́kɔ.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɛ̄.wʊ́.ɾɛ́/

Noun

*ɛ-wʊ́rɛ́

1. goat; (especially) female goat

   Synonyms: *ì-dérègbè, *ɛ-rã

Descendants

• Yoruba: ewúrẹ́
• Ifè: abó
• Ekiti Yoruba: ẹụ́rẹ́

Related terms

*ɔ̀-bʊ́kɔ (“he-goat”)