Contionary:ethnema

Attian

Alternative forms

חתנֵםְ (Attian Hevriti)

Etymology

From Ancient Attian iθneihma, from Proto-Attamian *idinʷeʕmá, ultimately from the biradical th-n pertaining to speech. Confer Damian damai and Namic ḍhiḥma (syncope form earlier ḍhimeḥma)

Pronunciation

• (Attian proper) IPA: /ɛθˈnɛŋa/
• (Hayani Attian) IPA: /ɛθˈniŋə/
• (Vittori Attian) IPA: /ɛθˈnɪmə/

Noun

ethnema f (plural patientive thinmim)

1. (countable) A form of communication using words either spoken or gestured with the hands and structured with grammar, often with a writing system.

   ethnema ta athnai

   the Attian language

2. (plural) The ability to communicate using words.

   dima thinmat

   the gift of language

3. (countable) Nonverbal communication.

   ethnema ta gasha

   body language

4. (countable) A computer language.
5. (countable) The vocabulary and usage used in a particular specialist field - jargon, slang
6. (countable) The particular words used in speech or a passage of text.

   The language he used to talk to me was obscene.

   The language used in the law does not permit any other interpretation.

7. Words, written or spoken, in a specific sequence that a person uses to describe, to a another person, the type of thoughts in their mind.

Usage notes

The word ethnema is a formal variant of the syncopised thenma with cognates in development in other Attamian languages. Likewise, the word thina is a far common substitution.

Synonyms

• (system of communication) thenma, thina
• (sense|vocabulary of a particular field) jargon
• (sense|particular words used) terma, yethna

Derived terms

• ethnematra

Related terms

• thina
• yethna
• than