Ithkuil: A Philosophical Design for a Hypothetical Language

The Lexicon - Part I: Class 1 through 6 Roots

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Currently, the lexicon lists 16200 stems as derived from 900 roots (see Sections 2.2, 2.3, and 10.1.1 for an explanation of the structure of individual roots and their 18 stems). This represents only a random sampling from the 17 different morpho-semantic classes of Ithkuil roots (see Sec. 10.2 for an explanation of these classes). Additional roots and their stems will be periodically added to this list as the author finds time to convert his handwritten notes. The most recently added roots (August 2008) are marked in blue-colored font.

The reader should be aware that the glosses (i.e., the English translations or definitions) for each of the stems below are at times somewhat arbitrary, as Ithkuil roots and their stems have been conceptualized from the cognitive level up, without regard as to whether they correspond necessarily to an existing word or phrase in English or other languages. As a result, some of the English glosses chosen as representations for the Ithkuil stems are approximations at best. This is especially true for verbal glosses, since the translation of an Ithkuil verbal formative is usually dependent on the specific Conflation, Format or Derivation (see Sec. 5.4).

Ideally, the best way to represent the meanings of Ithkuil stems would be to use a semantic “meta-language” comprised of a closed set of semantically universal (or near-universal) “primitives” to create semantic “formulas” which define the use of a particular stem. (The design and use of such a meta-language to translate the meanings of words from one language to another can be found in the writings of linguist Anna Wierzbicka.) However, the author has chosen not to pursue such an effort for the sake of time, as such an analysis for all of the 3600 roots and their 64,800 stems would likely take decades to complete.

In regard to the list below, note that in some cases both a nominal (i.e., noun) and verbal gloss have been provided, while in others only one or the other is present. Nevertheless, the reader should keep in mind at all times that Ithkuil stems always convey both a nominal and verbal meaning, as explained in detail in Section 2.6.1.

 

CLASS 1 ROOTS: numerical concepts, quantification, comparison, mathematics

H-Š ‘WHOLE NUMBER/INTEGER’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. a (whole) number, numeral, digit, integer

Same as INFORMAL stems but applied to formal, authoritative, permanent context as per Section 3.7

2. having more than one aspect; multifaceted

3. numerical series/sequence

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. multiply (by)

1. divide (by)

2. consisting of more than instance; multiple instance(s) of

2. having more than one part; consisting of parts; non-unitary; non-unified

3. exponential/logarithmic progression

3. negative exponential/logarithmic progression

 

L-S   ‘ONE/UNITY’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. one

1. single entity / single / singular

2. (something) alone/lone/sole

2. (something) isolated / apart / separate

3. (something) unique

3. 9something) independent / self-reliant / self-sufficient

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. unit (in terms of being unduplicated, copied, or their being no other instance/example thereof)

1. unify/unite; unit (in terms of being indivisible)

Same as above 3 stems in terms of there being no other instance/example thereof

Same as above 3 stems in terms of entity being indivisible

2. alone/lone/sole (in terms of being unduplicated, copied, or their being no other instance/example thereof)

2. alone/lone/sole (in terms of being indivisible)

3. unique (in terms of being unduplicated, copied, or their being no other instance/example thereof)

3. unique (in terms of being indivisible)

EXAMPLES OF MORPHOLOGICAL DERIVATIONS:  individual(ity), solitude, lonely, loneliness

 

K-S   ‘TWO/DUALITY’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. a set of two / a duo; to be two in number

FORMAL stems for this root have the same meanings as the INFORMAL stems except that they are applied in official, authorized, permanent contexts as described in Section 3.7

2. be/make dual / having 2 uses or aspects / bi- / twofold

3. second one in a sequence; be/make second in a sequence

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. twice the number of something; to double / multiply by two

1. half; halve / divide by or into two

2. two times [= iterations] / twice; to be/make/do twice

2. be of or make into two parts; bifurcate(d)

3. to the second power / squared; to square / raise to the second power

3. to the negative second power / inverse square; to divide by the square of

 

N-S   ‘SEVEN’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. a set or group of 7 / a septet; to be 7 in number

FORMAL stems for this root have the same meanings as the INFORMAL stems except that they are applied in official, authorized, permanent contexts as described in Section 3.7

2. be/make seven-faceted / having 7 uses or aspects / septi- / sevenfold

3. seventh one in a sequence; be/make seventh in a sequence

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. 7 times the number of something; to septuple / multiply by 7

1. a seventh / divide by 7 or into 7 parts

2. 7 times [= iterations]; to be/make/do 7 times

2. be of or make into 7 parts; separate(d) into 7 parts

3. to the 7th power; raise to the 7th power

3. to the negative 7th power; to divide by the 7th power of

THE ABOVE PATTERN FOR ‘TWO’ AND ‘SEVEN’ APPLIES TO THE REMAINING NUMBER ROOTS AS FOLLOWS:
Š-S     ‘3’
P-S    ‘4’
Ţ-S    ‘5’
T-S    ‘6’
X-S    ‘8’
F-S    ‘9’
M-S   ‘10’
R-S    ‘100’
Q-S    ‘10,000’
Ç-S   ‘100,000,000’
Ċ-S    ‘10 QUADRILLION’


CLASS 2 ROOTS: intellectual concepts, thought, ideation

H-P   ‘FACT/KNOW/LEARN/UNDERSTAND/EXPERTISE’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. ontological fact;  observe/notice an ontological fact

1. study/practice [= formal process to acquire skill or knowledge]

2. epistemological/conventionalized fact; know fact

2. realize/understand/comprehension via act of insight

3. experience/proficiency [= know via familiarity]

3. understand [= know via sharing/communication of knowledge]

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

Same as above 3 stems w/ focus on act or faculty of knowing

Same as above 3 stems w/ focus on the fact itself, the thing known

Same as above 3 stems w/ focus on act or faculty of study/understanding

Same as above 3 stems w/ focus on the fact itself, the thing studied or understood

INFORMAL Stem Derivations:  find out, discover, determine, wisdom
FORMAL Stem Derivations:  learn, insight, enlightenment, education, school, scholar, student

 

H-T  - ‘(CRIMINAL) LAW/ADJUDICATION’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. statute, a particular law

1. act of official law enforcement (enforcement authority + manifested act of enforcement/administration)

2. applicability of a statute, law to a particular situation or geopolitical area, rule of law

2. jurisdiction/applicability of enforcement powers to particular situation or geopolitical area

3. investigate an alleged violation of law; act of criminal investigation

3. try/adjudicate a criminal complaint, go to trial

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. statement (the wording) of a law or statute

1. application of, or compliance with a law or statute

1. authority to enforce law or statute

1. act/manifestion of enforcing/administering law or statute

2. applicability of a statute or law

2. state of being subject to, or required to obey/ comply w/ a statute or law

2. jurisdiction of law enforcement powers

2. state of being subject to the jurisdiction of a law enforcement entity

3. gather material evidence as part of criminal investigation, e.g., questioning of witnesses, viewing of records, inspecting clues and material evidence

3. act by law enforcement for purposes of criminal identification or apprehension, e.g., interrogation or component of sting-type operation, or legal “trap” set up

3. presentation of evidence in support of alleged crime; prosecution

3. formal weighing of evidence by judge or jury

Morphological Derivations: code of law, rule of law, rule on an adjudicatory matter, verdict, justice
SSD Derivatives for Formal Stem 1:  obtaining of warrant/authorization to detain, seizure/detention of suspect, interrogation of suspect, gathering of evidence, arrest, detention in jail cell, indictment, preparation of prosecution, incarceration

SSD Derivatives for Informal Stem 3:  stake-out/surveillance, reconnaisance, infiltration of mole, component of sting operation, identification of suspect

 

K-P   ‘GOOD/BENEFICIAL’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. good [= beneficial to context]

Same as INFORMAL stems but applied to concrete, range-of-moment tangible contexts, whereas INFORMAL stems are applied to general, metaphysical contexts.

2. good [= morally right; beneficial metaphysically]

3. good [= advantageous/effective]

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

Same as above 3 stems w/ focus on act, event or situation itself

Same as above 3 stems w/ focus on desired outcome/reward/benefit

 

K-T   ‘QUESTION/INQUIRY/ANSWER/RESPONSE’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. question & answer [statement requesting information + the answer/reply/response thereto]

1. inquire/inquiry + answer

2. query/investigate [investigative act + discovery made]

2. research + findings

3. ponder/introspect [self-questioning + conclusion]

3. analyze + results of analysis

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. question [statement requesting information]

1. response/reply/answer [information desired or given]

1. inquire/inquiry

1. answer [i.e., result of inquiry]

2. query

2. answer (to query) [i.e., cause/reason for what is being looked into or investigated]

2. research

2. finding(s)/discovery made via research

3. ponder/introspect; to question oneself mentally

3. conclusion [(desired) result of self-analysis]

3. analyze

3. conclusion/results of analysis

Morphological derivations:  problem; solution; solve; resolution; resolve; elucidate

 

L-T   ‘DEITY / SPIRITUAL ENTITY / SUPERNATURAL ENTITY’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. (a) spirit / supernatural entity

1. angel

2. deity / god / “overseer” spirit

2. God / Supreme Being / Creator deity

3. demon

3. the Devil / Satan

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

same as above 3 stems referring to male gender

same as above 3 stems referring to female gender

same as above 3 stems referring to male gender

same as above 3 stems referring to female gender

 

P-Q    ‘REMEMBER/RECALL/MEMORY/RECORD’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. memory; remember (= recall) [whether unwilled/affective or self -willed/voluntary]

1. trace/track/vestige

2. retain / retention of something past into present

2. memorial (object/action formally recognizing or acknowledging something/someone past)

3. remember [= commit to memory] / memorize

3. to record / a record

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. a memory itself (i.e., the content thereof)

1. faculty of memory/recall (i.e., the process of using one’s memory)

same as above 3 stems with focus on that which the physical manifestation memorializes or gives evidence/remembrance of

same as above 3 stems with focus on the object/event/physical manifestation itself which conveys the memory or record

2. a memory retained or kept fresh (i.e., the content thereof)

2. a memory retained or kept fresh (i.e., the process thereof)

3. thing remembered or memorized [=event/act/situation/state, etc. committed to memory]

3. process of committing something to memory

MORPHOLOGICAL DERIVATIONS:  recollect(ion), remind, memorize, memento, monument, archive, commemorate, commemoration, souvenir/keepsake, relic, to bear in mind, ponder/relish a memory, sear into one’s memory

 

PŠ-K     ‘FANTASTIC OR IMAGINARY CREATURE’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. fantastic or imaginary creature/beast

1. mythological/symbolic creature/beast

2. winged fantastic creature/beast

2. legendary being/creature/beast, allegedly real

3. reptilian/saurian fantastic creature/beast

3. alien/extraterrestrial being

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

Same as above 3 stems referring to physical body or presence of creature/beast itself

Same as above 3 stems referring to the mind, personality, character, or interaction/communication with the creature/beast

Same as above 3 stems referring to physical body or presence of creature/beast itself

Same as above 3 stems referring to the mind, personality, character, or interaction/communication with the creature/beast

SSD Derivatives for Informal Stem 1: 
SSD Derivatives for Informal Stem 2:  5) dragon
SSD Derivatives for Informal Stem 3:
SSD Derivatives for Formal Stem 1:  centaur, sphinx, satyr, unicorn, chimera, Phoenix, Scylla, Pegasus
SSD Derivatives for Formal Stem 2:  vampyre, werewolf, yeti,

 

R-K   ‘THOUGHT/IDEA/REASON’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. think / cogitate + thought or idea cogitated

1. to reason / use logic + content of reasoning

2. consider + idea considered

2. analyze + object of analysis

3. propose + argument or idea proposed

3. abstract (= to mentally construct) + concept

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. think / cogitate; an act of thinking

1. a thought / an idea

1. to reason / use logic; act of reasoning

1. object of reasoning

2. consider; an act of consideration

2. a thought or idea considered

2. analyze; act of analysis

2. object of analysis

3. propose / posit

3. a proposition or argument

3. to abstract / conceive / conceptualize; act of abstraction or conception

3. concept

EXAMPLE MORPHOLOGICAL DERIVATIVES FROM THE ABOVE STEMS: ponder, deliberate/deliberation, plan, contemplate, theory, hypothesis, deduce/deduction, postulate, infer(ence), judge, conclude/conclusion

S-T  ‘MIND’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. mind / mental (faculty + use)

1. sentience / capacity for self awareness and self-identity + act of self-reflection

2. perception / awareness (faculty + use)

2. conscious + subconscious mind

3. instinct (faculty + practice)

3. intellect / wits /mind as efficacious tool

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. mental faculty / mind

1. application of mental faculty; act of mentation / use one’s mind

1. feeling of sentience

1. act of self-reflection

2. faculty of perception or awareness

2. use of perception or awareness; to perceive / be aware of

2. conscious mind

2. subconscious mind

3. instinct

3. instinctual act; to act instinctively

3. intellect; use one’s intellect

3. product of one’s intellect / intellectual feat

EXAMPLE MORPHOLOGICAL DERIVATIVES FROM THE ABOVE STEMS: philosophy, metaphysics

 

ST-K   ‘COMPARISON/MEASUREMENT/WEIGH’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. compare/contrast

1. measure

2. discriminate/distinguish

2. discern

3. “weigh”/ponder choice/pro-con analysis

3. relate/collate/determine relationships between

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

Same as above 3 stems but w/ focus on act

Same as above 3 stems but w/ focus on purpose or desired outcome

Same as above 3 stems but w/ focus on act

Same as above 3 stems but w/ focus on purpose or outcome

 


CLASS 3 ROOTS: concepts relating to change and causation

H-C      ‘WEATHER CONDITION’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. (current) weather condition

1. adverse weather condition

2. amenable weather condition (warm seasons)

2. adverse weather condition (warm seasons)

3. amenable weather condition (cold seasons)

3. adverse weather condition (cold seasons)

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

Same as above 3 stems referring to condition itself

Same as above 3 stems referring to effect/impact

Same as above 3 stems referring to condition itself

Same as above 3 stems referring to effect/impact

MORPHOLOGICAL DERIVATIVES: climate, the weather, clime
SSD Derivatives for Informal Stem 2:  mild, balmy, sunny, warm, still/calm, gently breezy
SSD Derivatives for Informal Stem 3:  brisk, cool, clear, still/calm, crisp, light snowfall, drizzle
SSD Derivatives for Formal Stem 2: mugginess, heat, drought, summer rainstorm, summer flood, mud, hurricane/
cyclone/typhoon, smog, hot wind
SSD Derivatives for Formal Stem 3:  fog/mist, cloudy/overcast, wind, rain, snow, blizzard, rainstorm, tornado/twister, flood

 

K-C  - ‘BAKE/SOMETHING BAKED’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. bake (something); something baked [method + result]

Same as INFORMAL stems except that context is that of a commercial venture, i.e., food for sale, as in a restaurant or grocery store

2. oven [= environment or primary infrastructure used for baking]

3. baking pan [= primary supporting interface for manipulating the food being baked]

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. bake; baking (as a cooking method)

1. food cooked by baking; something baked

2. oven (as primary baking environment)

2. oven (as functional heating/cooking means)

3. baking pan (as supporting interface within the oven)

3. baking pan (as primary accessory/tool needed for manipulating, removing, shaping the baked food)

Derivatives:  baked goods, bakery, baker
The following roots follow the same model as the above:
T-C  roast
P-Ċ  toast
Š-Č  fry
F-C  griddle
T-Ċ  smoke
Ķ-Č  sun-dry
X-C  sautee
TL-Ċ  simmer
T-Č  boil
S-C  steam
ŢL-Ċ  parboil
Č-Č  stew
R-C  brew
KL-Ċ  marinade
Ţ-Č  broil
L-C  grill
PL-Ċ  barbecue
H-Č  poach
N-C  pressure-cook
XL-Ċ  slow-cook (e.g., in crockpot, Dutch oven, claypot, Tandoori pot, etc.)
N-Č  flash-fry
Ļ-C  sear
FL-Ċ  non-heat related method of food preparation, e.g., preparing sushi, making a peanut butter sandwich, etc.

 

L- Č ‘BINARY REVERSAL / POLARITY’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. switch to opposing or complementary value

FORMAL stems for this root have the same meanings as INFORMAL stems except that they are applied in official, authorized, permanent contexts as described in Sec. 3.7.

2. switch or reverse [linear] direction

3. toggle between active/positive or inactive/negative state

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. set to positive, primary, or initial value

1. set to negative, secondary, or complementary value

2. change current course or direction

2. reverse course or direction

3. active / activate / turn on / render active / on / positive state

3. inactive / deactivate / turn off / render inactive / off / negative state

 

M-C  TOOL/INSTRUMENT

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. tool, instrument, implement as extension of bodily appendage(s) (e.g., as per force, strength, precision, reach, pressure, instrument as labor-saving or efficiency-increasing means etc.)

1. utensil, specialized implement for assisting in refined task

2. tool, instrument as means of “defying nature” (e.g., wheel, wedge, fulcrum, etc.

2. mechanical/motorized/electric/electronic implement/device

3. supply-like resource/implement used by itself or in  association with specific tool (e.g., nail, tack, clothespin, hook)

3. supply-like resource/implement used as fuel or input for mechanical/electrical/electronic implement/device

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

Same as above 3 stems referring to thing itself

Same as above 3 stems referring to function/use thereof

Same as above 3 stems referring to thing itself

Same as above 3 stems referring to function/use thereof

Morphological Derivatives:  equipment, gear (collection of associated tools/supplies), apparatus, appliance, paraphernalia, machine
SSD derivatives for Informal Stem 1: awl, pliers, screwdriver, wrench, pick, shovel/spade, chisel, file, stick/pole/bar
SSD derivatives for Informal Stem 2:  wheel, jack, wedge, fulcrum, pulley, sling, lever, gear, spool
SSD derivatives for Informal Stem 3: nail, tack, clip/fastener, hook, screw, bolt, nut, piece of wire, screwdriver bit/head
SSD derivatives for Formal Stem 1:  anvil, fork, spoon, scissors, vice/clamp, plane, saw, tweezers, puncher
SSD derivatives for Formal Stem 2:  drill, power saw, engine/motor
SSD derivatives for Formal Stem 3:  drill bit,

 

M-Č   ‘SWITCH/ALTERATION BETWEEN MULTI-VALUED SETTINGS’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. switch to a different value or setting

Same as INFORMAL stems but in reference to permanent, authoritative, formal contexts or to social or analogical contexts

2. veer, change course

3. change to a less active or more active setting; increase or decrease intensity or setting

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. switch to higher/greater value or setting

1. switch to lower/lesser value or setting

2. change to more difficult, dangerous, or unpredictable course

2. change to easier, safer, or more predictable course

3. increase to higher/stronger intensity

3. decrease to lower/weaker intensity

 

P-C   ‘GROWTH/CULTIVATION/HUSBANDRY’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. grow; stage of growth

1. stage of plant growth; grow (plant)

2. raise; look after; foster; function as guardian

2. till/cultivate/raise crop; stage of cultivation (e.g., etc.)

3. nurture / provide requirements for growth; husbandry

3. to garden/specialized act of plant nurturage (e.g., prune, graft, weed, etc.)

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

Same as above 3 stems referring to act itself

Same as above 3 stems referring to (anticipated) result/effect

Same as above 3 stems referring to act itself

Same as above 3 stems referring to (anticipated) result/effect

Stems of this root are often used with the MAT suffix
SSD Derivatives for FORMAL Stem 2:  plow, sow, irrigate, fertilize; hoe, reap, pick, dry, store
SSD Derivatives for FORMAL Stem 3:  prune, graft, weed, transplant, thin out
Morphological Derivatives:  shepherd, garden, gardener, field (of crop), crop, harvest, plow/plough, hoe, etc.

 

P-Č ‘LARGE IMPLEMENT FOR COUNTERING GRAVITY’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. ladder [object itself + use]

1. winch/windlass

2. stair

2. expandable boom

3. bridge; span

3. derrick

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

Same as above 3 stems referring to thing itself

Same as above 3 stems referring to function/use thereof

Same as above 3 stems referring to thing itself

Same as above 3 stems referring to function/use thereof

MORPHOLOGICAL DERIVATIVES:  staircase, stairway

 

Q-Č ‘PHYSICAL CONTACT’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. physical contact between 2 or more objects [contact + effect]

FORMAL Stems for this root have the same meanings as the INFORMAL stems except that the context is specific to physical contact by one’s “default” appendage(s) for volitional physical contact, i.e., hands/fingers, beak, snout, tongue, pseudopod, tendril, tentacle, etc.

2. application of physical pressure/force + effect

3. move or set in motion via physical contact + resulting motion

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

same as above 3 stems but with focus on physical act of contact

same as above 3 stems but with focus on resulting effect/movement

EXAMPLE DERIVATIONS FROM THESE STEMS: feel, push, stroke, caress, tap, nudge, hit, strike, slap, punch, shove, press, rub, knock over, fall [due to being pushed], injure [via striking], etc.

 

X-Č   - WEAPON

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. hand-held or hand-thrown bladed weapon for cutting or stabbing [object + use]

1. ballistically launched projectile [projectile + use]

2. pointed-tipped handheld or propelled weapon for piercing [object + use]

2. explosive/incendiary substance/device [substance/device + use]

3. blunt force-driven hand-held or propelled weapon [object + use]

3. gaseous/chemical/other weapon [substance + use]

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

COMPLEMENTARY Stems

1. bladed weapon itself

1. use/function of bladed weapon

1. ballistically launched projectile

1. use/function of ballistically launched projectile

2. pointed-tipped handheld or hand thrown weapon itself

2. use/function of pointed-tipped handheld or hand thrown weapon

2. explosive/incendiary substance/device

2. use/function of explosive/incendiary substance/device

3. blunt force-driven hand-held or hand-thrown weapon itself

3. use/function of blunt force-driven hand-held or hand-thrown weapon

3. gaseous/chemical/other weapon

3. use/function of gaseous/chemical/other weapon

SSD derivatives for Informal Stem 1:  1) dagger  2) switchblade  3) axe  4) bayonet  5) sword  6) scimitar
SSD derivatives for Informal Stem 2:  arrow, lance, spear, javelin, harpoon
SSD derivatives for Informal Stem 3:  mace, club, hammer, catapult fodder, shot from slingshot. cudgel
SSD derivatives for Formal Stem 1:  bullet, shell, shrapnel, cannonball, shot, rocket, self-propelled missile
SSD derivatives for Formal Stem 2:  bomb, grenade, plastic explosive, firecracker, dynamite stick
SSD derivatives for Formal Stem 3:  gas irritant/poison, poison chemical vapor, liquid irritant/poison, radioactive compound used as weapon

NOTE:  In Ithkuil, guns, catapults, slings and all other firearms or devices for shooting/hurling projectiles utilize Degree 1 of the UTE suffix ('tool/implement for doing X'), as it is not the firearm/shooting device that kills but the projectile shot/fired from it. Thus a gun is a "bullet-implementer".  Care must be taken in assigning appropriate noun Cases or verbal Formats to stems associated with ballistic aerial weapons to distinguish the fact that it is the projectile that is the actual "weapon" and not the object it was fired/projected from. This is the good old "shoot bullets" vs. "shoot guns" vs. "shoot bullets from a gun" vs. "shoot him with a gun" vs. "shoot him with bullets from a gun" problem . This which would translate into Ithkuil/Ilaksh as "I bulleted him due to/enabled by a gun" or incorparatively as "I gun-bulleted him" using either the RESULTATIVE Format (literally translating as "I bulleted him as a result of concurrently gun-activating") or the INSTRUMENTATIVE Format (literally translating as "I bulleted him by the enabling means of gun-activating").


CLASS 4 ROOTS: concepts relating to the physical attributes of organic matter

C-M  ‘SENSE OF TASTE / THE TASTE OF SOMETHING’

INFORMAL Stems

FORMAL Stems

1. to taste a taste (taste facult