muftieħ

Maltese

Root
f-t-ħ
10 terms

Etymology

From Arabic مِفْتَاح (miftāḥ).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /mufˈtɪːħ/

Noun

muftieħ m (plural mfietaħ, diminutive mfejtaħ)

1. key

   Synonym: ċavetta

2. antler

Usage notes

• The normal word for key is ċavetta, while muftieħ is chiefly met with in either purist style or rural speech. However, in general Maltese muftieħ is still sometimes employed for the thick, old-fashioned keys typically used for sheds, cellars, drawers, etc.