eqqel

Maltese

Etymology

From underlying *eqlel, comparative (or elative) of archaic qlil (“ferocious”), itself probably from a merger of Arabic غَلِيل (ḡalīl) and قَلِيل (qalīl). For the development compare qilla.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɛʔ.ʔɛl/

Noun

eqqel m

1. height, the worst or severest period (of something)

   l-eqqel tas-sħana ― the greatest heat, midday heat

   fl-eqqel tax-xitwa ― in the deepest winter, in midwinter