Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/wa·paθkwa

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

Alternative forms

• *wa·paɬkwa (alternative orthography)

Etymology

A compound, possibly formed at a pre-Proto-Algonquian date, of *wa·p- (“white”) +‎ *maθkwa (“bear”).

Noun

*wa·paθkwa

1. white bear, polar bear

Descendants

• Plains Algonquian:
  • Arapaho: nóókox (“white bear, polar bear”)
• Central Algonquian:
  • Cree: wâpask (“polar bear”)
• Eastern Algonquian:
  • Penobscot: wɑmp'sk'ʷ, wapskw (“white bear”)
  • Malecite-Passamaquoddy: wapsq (“polar bear”)

References

• Guillaume Jacques, A Siouan-Algonquian Wanderwort: the name of the bear (2012; Amerindia, 36), which cites Siebert
• George F. Aubin, A Proto-Algonquian Dictionary