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. Commonly derived from the root of Latin sarpō (to trim), Latin sarmentum (osiers) and ἅρπη (hárpē, sickle); Beekes, on the grounds that an o-grade of this root is not attested elsewhere, claims that it is a Pre-Greek word.

Pronunciation

 

Noun

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

  1. (botany) sapling, sprig, young shoot
    Synonyms: ἔρνος (érnos), θαλλός (thallós), πτόρθος (ptórthos), τέρχνος (térkhnos)
  2. goad, lance, anything made with saplings
  3. scion, descendant

Inflection

Derived terms

  • εὐόρπηξ (euórpēx)

References

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