Dictionary Entries explained

Headword

Each dictionary article is introduced by a headword (noun, verb, demonstrative, possessive, etc.).

Plural

After each noun, if applicable, the plural is given preceded by Pl. 

wàm Pl. wàm. n. mat for drying things.

Part of speech

Typically the part of speech follows the entry word.

fuèfuèk adj. soft to the touch, pulpy.

to vb. germinate

to₄ vbint. crow (cock); make a noise like crickets.

to₅ vbint. to be opened (termite hill for termites to fly out).

to₆ vb. start (e.g. wound or pimple); lead; form a new path.

Homonym and sense numbers

Homonyms are distinguished by a numerical subscript after the entry word.

làm₁ làam. n. a vine-like plant with fruit from which wax is gotten.

làm₂ Pl. làam. 1) vb. plot against 2) n. secret, clandestine meeting.

Definitions

The meaning of the entry is given as a simple gloss or a longer description.

ndoŋsè Pl. ndoŋsè. n. black-faced grasshopper which lives in leafy bushes.

Scientific names

The scientific name of plants and animals follows the definition, if available.

ndzərə̀₂ n. cane rat, commonly called cutting grass. Thryonomys swinderianus.

Synonym and antonyms

Some words have synonyms and/or antonyms. These are introduced by the abbreviation Syn. and Ant. respectively.

ghaŋ adj . important; big. Syn. ŋkèm₂.

ntòŋ₂ Pl. ntòŋ. n. Ant. mbok.

Cross references

Cross references are preceded by Cf.

njə̀ Pl. yə̀ə. n. thief. Cf. ŋgà yə̀yə̀.