awusa

Yoruba

Alternative forms

• aghọ̀sá (Ondo)
• awòha (Owe)
• ẹụ̀sá (Ekiti)

Etymology

Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *V-ɣʊ̀sá, *a-ɣʊ̀sá, *ɛ-ɣʊ̀sá, probably of Proto-Edekiri origin. Maybe equivalent to a- (“nominalizing prefix”) +‎ wù (“to uproot; to grow”) +‎ sá (“to dry”), perhaps referring to the drying of the nuts. Also compare with the synonym àsálà, where "sá" is also seen.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ā.wù.sá/

Noun

awùsá

1. the plant Plukenetia conophora

   Synonym: àsálà

2. the nut of the Plukenetia conophora plant, known as the Nigerian walnut

   Synonym: àsálà