1 bahuvrihi | Definition of bahuvrihi

bahuvrihi

noun
ba·​hu·​vri·​hi | \ ˌbä(ˌ)hüvˈrēhē\
plural -s

Definition of bahuvrihi

: a class of compound words whose meanings follow the formula “(one) having a B that is A” where A stands for the first constituent of the compound and B for the second also : a compound word belonging to this class (such as graybeard, blockhead, or barefoot) — see possessive entry 1 sense 1b

First Known Use of bahuvrihi

1846, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for bahuvrihi

Sanskrit bahuvrīhi, literally, having much rice (a compound of this type), from bahu much + vrīhi rice

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