ewin

Welsh

Etymology

From Middle Welsh ewin, from Old Welsh eguin, from Proto-Brythonic *ėɣwin, from Proto-Celtic *angʷīnā, from Proto-Indo-European *h₃nogʰ- (“nail”).

Compare Cornish ewyn, Breton ivin, Irish ionga; also Latin unguis, English nail, Ancient Greek ὄνυξ (ónux), Russian ноготь (nogotʹ).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɛu̯.ɪn/
• Rhymes: -ɛu̯ɪn
• Homophone: ewyn (South Wales)

Noun

ewin m or f (plural ewinedd)

1. nail (fingernail and toenail)
2. claw, talon

   Synonym: crafanc

3. division of a cloven hoof

   Synonym: rhan o garn fforchog

4. (figurative) clutches

   Synonym: crafanc

5. (transferred sense) clove (of garlic etc.)

   Synonyms: bwlb, mochyn, malwen

   1. small piece, particle

      Synonyms: mymryn, brotyn, gronyn

Derived terms

• ewinfedd (“nail's breadth”)

Mutation

Welsh mutation
radical	soft	nasal	h-prothesis
ewin	unchanged	unchanged	hewin
Note: Some of these forms may be hypothetical. Not every possible mutated form of every word actually occurs.

Further reading

• R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “ewin”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies