Reconstruction:Proto-Balto-Slavic/wṓˀka

This Proto-Balto-Slavic 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-Balto-Slavic

Alternative reconstructions

• *wḗˀka

Etymology

Of uncertain origin. If the root is inherited, it may trace back to Proto-Indo-European *wóh₁ks ~ *weh₁kés (“eyelid, eye covering”) and possibly be cognate with Albanian vetull (“eyebrow”); Derksen is doubtful, however. The reconstructed Proto-Indo-European root's relation to *weh₁y- (“to twist, wrap”), if there is any, is unclear.

Reconstruction notes

Baltic descendants point towards proto-East Baltic *wāˀka, whereas proto-Slavic demands *wēˀka. Kortlandt explains the Baltic development as a result of dissimilation *wō- > *wā- before labials. The Slavic vocalism is harder to explain. See literature for further discussion.

Noun

*wṓˀka n

1. eyelid

Inflection

This entry needs an inflection-table template.

Descendants

• East Baltic:
  • Latgalian: vuoks
  • Latvian: vāks (“lid, eyelid”)
  • Lithuanian: vókas (“eyelid, envelope”)
• Proto-Slavic: *věko (“lid, eyelid”) (see there for further descendants)