σκάπτω

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word σκάπτω. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word σκάπτω, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say σκάπτω in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word σκάπτω you have here. The definition of the word σκάπτω will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofσκάπτω, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

Ancient Greek

Etymology

The basis of this verb is either σκαπ- or σκαφ-. In the first case, the relic Latin scapulae (shoulder blades) has been compared, assuming that it originally meant "shovel" as a primary agent noun. In the second case, σκάπτω (skáptō) could formally correspond to a verb for "plane, scratch", in Latin scabō (to scratch, scrape), Proto-Germanic *skabaną (to shave, scrape), Lithuanian skabiù (to scoop out with a chisel), to which the Slavic group of Russian ско́бель (skóbelʹ, spokeshave) is connected, suggesting a derivation from Proto-Indo-European *skabʰ- (to scratch). Connection with σκήπτω (skḗptō, to prop, stay) and σκίπων (skípōn, staff, crutch) is formally and semantically unfeasible. Considering that related terms, like κάπετος (kápetos, ditch, trench), σκάφαλος (skáphalos, one who draws water) and σκαφλεύς (skaphleús), seem to be Pre-Greek, Beekes suggests that the verb could be a loan from a European substrate language.

Pronunciation

 

Verb

σκᾰ́πτω (skáptō)

  1. to dig
    Synonyms: λᾰχαίνω (lakhaínō), ὀρῠ́σσω (orússō)
  2. to dig, delve, for cultivation
  3. to dig about, cultivate by digging

Inflection

Derived terms

Descendants

  • Greek: σκάβω (skávo)

Further reading