Reconstruction:Proto-Yoruba/ɔ-bʊtʊ̃

This Proto-Yoruba 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-Yoruba

Alternative forms

• *ɔ-bɪtʊ̃, *ɔ-bʊ̃tʊ̃

Etymology

Likely inherited from Proto-Edekiri *ɔ-bʊtʊ̃, perhaps equivalent to *ɔ-bɪ̃̀rɪ̃ (“woman, wife”) +‎ *tʊ̃n (“new”), literally “new woman; new wife”. The ɪ/ʊ alternative forms likely stem from the alternative forms for woman, see *ɔ-bɪ̃̀rɪ̃ and *ɔ-bʊ̃̀rɪ̃.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɔ̄.bʊ̄.tʊ̃̄/

Noun

*ɔ-bʊtʊ̃

1. virgin, maiden, bride

   Synonym: *ɔ-mãdɔ̃

2. (by extension) any of the various bridal or coming of age rituals and ceremonies performed by maidens

Descendants

• Northwest Yoruba Yoruba: ọbuntun
• Central Yoruba Yoruba: ọbịtụn, ọbụntụn, ọbụtụn
• Northeast Yoruba Yoruba: obutọn
• Ifè: àbitɔ̃

Related terms

• *ɔ-yà (“wife”)
• *ɔ-bɪ̃̀rɪ̃, *ɔ-bʊ̃̀rɪ̃ ("woman")