σπέλεθος

Ancient Greek

Alternative forms

  • πέλεθος (pélethos)

Etymology

The formation is similar to σπύραθος (spúrathos) and ὄνθος (ónthos). A derivation from Proto-Indo-European *(s)pley- (to split, splice) is semantically possible comparing Proto-Germanic *skītaną (to defecate), which derives from Proto-Indo-European *skeyd- (to cut off). Alternatively, Beekes suggests a Pre-Greek origin.

Pronunciation

 

Noun

σπέλεθος • (spélethosm (genitive σπελέθου); second declension

  1. dung, ordure, manure

Inflection

Derived terms

  • πελεθοβάψ (pelethobáps)
  • ὑσπέλεθος (huspélethos)

Further reading