λεκάνη
Wordform Details
Translation: basinbowlwashbasin
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: λεκάνη
Translation: basin; bowl; washbasin; sink; pelvis (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek λεκάνη (lekane), meaning 'dish' or 'basin'. The word is related to the verb λείχω (leicho) meaning 'to lick', suggesting something that can be licked clean. In medical contexts, it refers to the pelvis, maintaining the bowl-like shape concept. The English word 'pelvis' comes from Latin meaning 'basin', showing a parallel semantic development across languages.
Mnemonics
- Think 'lick-any' bowl clean - from the root meaning 'to lick'
- Picture a pelvis as a bone basin - both meanings share the bowl shape
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in household contexts for bathroom fixtures and kitchen bowls. In medical Greek, it specifically refers to the pelvis. Traditional Greek homes often feature decorative ceramic λεκάνες.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: λεκάνη is a small basin or bowl, while λίμνη is a large natural body of water (lake)
Confused word:
Κολυμπήσαμε στη λίμνη.
We swam in the lake.
Notes: Both relate to water containers but vastly different in scale
Mnemonic: λεκάνη is small and domestic (basin), λίμνη is large and natural (lake)