Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/(w)a·pikwa

This Proto-Algonquian entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Algonquian

Etymology

Siebert says this term uses the same suffix *-ikw- (“small, gnawing animal”) as *a·skikwa (“seal, harbour seal”). The first element, in turn, is apparently *wa·p- (“white”).

Noun

*(w)a·pikwa

1. rat

Derived terms

• *(w)a·pikwehs (“diminutive: mouse”)

Descendants

• Central Algonquian:
  • Fox: wâpikonôha (with a diminutive suffix)
• Eastern Algonquian:
  • Abenaki: wôbikwsos (“mouse”) (with diminutive suffix *-sehs)
  • Malecite-Passamaquoddy: apiqsehs (“rat”) (with diminutive suffix *-sehs)

References

• Siebert (1967)