vireo Latin · revision 32122

+ {{infobox|confidence=uncertain|formation=inherited|attested=c. 250–184 BC, Plautus|origins=itc-pro *w(e)is-}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * Classical: [ˈwɪ.re.oː]^(Wiktionary)

+ * Ecclesiastical: [ˈviː.re.o]^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''vireō''' (present infinitive virēre, perfect active viruī); second conjugation, no passive, no supine stem^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ The origin is uncertain.^(de Vaan 2008)^(OLD 2012) It is perhaps [[inh|itc-pro|*w(e)is-]], a form de Vaan gives with a query.^(de Vaan 2008) He compares [[lt|veĩsti|t=to breed, rear]], [[lt|vaĩsius|t=fruit]], [[prg|wēisin|t=fruit]], [[non|vísir|t=sprout]], [[ang|wīse|t=sprout, stem]] and [[goh|wīsa|t=meadow]], but doubts that this set, with words for green, multiplying and sprouting, belongs together.^(de Vaan 2008) Wiktionary reports the LIV's derivation from a stative verb [[ine-pro|*wis-éh₁-ye-ti]], to a root [[m|ine-pro|*weys-]].^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ De Vaan dates it from Lucretius,^(de Vaan 2008) but the OLD has it already in Plautus' ''Menaechmi'', where someone's eyes are said to be green.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It is used of plants showing green growth, as Cicero contrasts evergreens with plants that lose their leaves in winter, and of places green with vegetation, as Lucretius' green fields.^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879) Figuratively it means to be vigorous or thriving, as Ovid's citadel flourishing with talent, wealth and peace, and of persons to be in the freshness of youth, as Horace's advice to love while one is young and not yet grey.^(OLD 2012) Church Latin glosses it to be green, blooming.^(Stelten 1995)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 250–184 BC – Plautus of green eyes.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 96–55 BC – Lucretius of green fields.^(OLD 2012)^(de Vaan 2008)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 81–43 BC – Cicero of evergreen plants.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 65–8 BC – Horace of a person in the vigour of youth.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 1834 – The bird name [[m|en|vireo]] is used in English for an American bird.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Verb===

+ # Of plants, to show green growth; of places, to be green, [[m|en|verdant]]; in general, to be [[m|en|green]].^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Wiktionary)

+ # To be vigorous, thriving; of persons, to be full of youthful vigour.^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[praeviridāns]]

+ * [[virectum]]

+ * [[virēscō]]

+ * [[viridis]]

+ * [[viridō]]

+ * [[viridulus]]

+ * [[viror]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ A noun ''vireō'', ''-ōnis'' is a bird in Pliny the Elder, perhaps the greenfinch.^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Wiktionary) Etymonline derives it from the verb, and in 1834 Audubon applied it to the American [[m|en|vireo]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}