prùvula

Sicilian

Alternative forms

• pùrbiri (obsolete)

Etymology

Double-metathesis of Late Latin pulvera, neuter plural based on Latin pulvis m, from Proto-Indo-European *pel- (“dust; flour”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [ˈpru.(v)ʊ.la]
• Hyphenation: prù‧vu‧la

Noun

prùvula f (plural prùvuli)

1. The fine particles which are the result of reducing a dry substance by pounding, grinding, or triturating, or the result of decay; dust.

   Synonym: pruvulazzu

2. (in particular) An explosive mixture used in gunnery, blasting, etc.; gunpowder.

   I murtara fìciru na gran fumazzata pi curpa dâ prùvula.

   The mortars made a mess of smoke because of the gunpowder.

Related terms

• bumma
• lurdìa
• murtaru
• nzajareḍḍi