ὄρπηξ

Ancient Greek

Alternative forms

  • ὄρπαξ (órpax) Doric
  • ὅρπηξ (hórpēx) Attic

Etymology

The formation is like σκώληξ (skṓlēx), κάχληξ (kákhlēx) and νάρθηξ (nárthēx). The comparison with Lithuanian várpa (ear of corn) is not very illuminating. A derivation from the root of Latin sarpō (to trim), Latin sarmentum (osiers) and ἅρπη (hárpē, sickle) is unlikely too, as an o-grade of this root is not attested elsewhere. According to Beekes, it is rather a Pre-Greek word.

Pronunciation

 

Noun

ὄρπηξ (órpēx) m (genitive ὄρπηκος); third declension

  1. (botany) sapling, sprig, young shoot
  2. goad, lance, anything made with saplings
  3. scion, descendant

Inflection

Derived terms

  • εὐόρπηξ (euórpēx)

References

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