yiniłmas

y- (3rd person object prefix) + -ni- (“round shape”) + ∅- (3rd person subject prefix) + -ł- (classifier, causative) + -mas (semelfactive imperfective stem of root -MÁÁZ, “to roll”).

The stem -máás (“globular, spherical, ball-like shape”) is cognate with -bą́ą́z (“hooplike, ringlike shape”), and they have the same origin, which possibly is Proto-Athabaskan *wątsʼ (“roll”).

• IPA^(key): /jɪ̀nɪ̀ɬmɑ̀s/

yiniłmas

1. he/she is rolling it into a ball (as dough, snow), is clenching it (one's fist)

   Yas néłmas. ― I made a snowball.

   Béésh adishahí dínéesmas. ― I will roll up the barbed wire.

   Shílaʼ néłmas. ― I clenched my fist.

• iiłbąąs