κραδάω

Ancient Greek

Etymology

The entry by Beekes in his Etymological Dictionary of Greek reads (in paraphrase):

"Uncertain. It is probable that this verb is a denominative, so an original meaning "swinging" may be assumed for κράδη (krádē). This fits well with the meanings "crown of a tree" and "suspension-machine". Alternatively, this verb could be a zero grade iterative, derived from a lost primary verb, with κράδη (krádē) as back-formation. The word κόρδαξ (kórdax, kind of dance) is unrelated. The connection with Latin cardō (hinge) remains hypothetical."

Pronunciation

 

Verb

κρᾰδᾰ́ω • (krădắō)

  1. to swing, shake, quiver
  2. (of trees) to suffer from blight

Conjugation

Further reading