Dictionary Entries explained

The following elements are found in many entries:

The first word in each entry is the entry word, which is followed by dfferent kinds of information about the word.

shwe₁ [ʃwē] adj. abundant, full.

ékɔ [ékɔ̄] pl. ákɔ. n 5/6. pot.

In square brackets after the entry word the pronunciation is given in IPA (International Phonetic Association) transcription.

wuumu [wūːmū] v. swing.

zhwaʼ [ʒwāʔ] v. coronate, crown, enthrone, initiate, apply (ointment), besmear.

For nouns the plural from is given when it exists, preceded by the abbreviation pl.

ékɔ [ékɔ̄] pl. ákɔ. n 5/6. pot.

shyê [ʃjê] pl. shyérè. n 9/10. gizzard.

Each entry is also given the part of speech or grammatical category in italics.

ndwada [ndwādā] v. pluck off ears of corn by dragging carelessly.

shyê [ʃjê] pl. shyérè. n 9/10. gizzard.

shi [ʃī] v.aux. have (past perfect tense marker: P1).

wuu [wǔ:] adj. gorgeous (clothes), long and big (clothes).

For nouns the noun class gender follows the part of speech.

shyê [ʃjê] pl. shyérè. n 9/10. gizzard.

àkpa [àkpǎ] pl. èkpa. n 7/2. python, black snake.

For each entry the meaning is given by an equivalent single word or descriptive phrase.

ékɔ [ékɔ̄] pl. ákɔ. n 5/6. pot.

ndwada [ndwādā] v. pluck off ears of corn by dragging carelessly.

A few entries contain a picture to give more precision to what the word refers to. See for example:

ékɔɔ [ékɔ̌ː] pl. ákɔ. n 19/10. clay pot (earthenware).

àkpègè [àkpèɡè] pl. èkpègè. N 7/2. brass, bracelet.