ἀμύσσω

Ancient Greek

Alternative forms

  • ἀμῠ́ττω (amŭ́ttō)Attic

Etymology

This word has been compared to Latin mūcrō (sharp point), Lithuanian mùšti (to beat, strike, hit) and Old English gemyscan (to afflict, tease). This seems a rather small basis for reconstructing an Indo-European root. Furnée accepts the comparison with Latin, but as a substrate word. The presence of ἀμύσχεσται (amúskhestai, laceration of the flesh with claws) shows a typical Pre-Greek variation, according to Beekes.

Pronunciation

 

Verb

ἀμῠ́σσω • (amŭ́ssō)

  1. to scratch, tear, lacerate
  2. to tear in pieces, mangle
  3. (of thorns) to prick
  4. (of insects) to sting

Inflection

Derived terms

  • ἄμῠγμᾰ (ámŭgmă)
  • ἀμῠκτῐκός (amŭktĭkós)
  • ἀμῠ́ξ (amŭ́x)
  • ἄμῠξῐς (ámŭxĭs)
  • ἀμῠχή (amŭkhḗ)
  • ἀμῠχμός (amŭkhmós)

Further reading