σπιθαμή

Created: Tue, 4 Feb 2025 18:34

Updated: Tue, 4 Feb 2025 18:34

Wordform Details

Translation: spanhandspan

Part of Speech: noun

Inflection Type:

femininesingularaccusative

Is Dictionary Form: Yes

Dictionary Form Details

View Full Lemma Page: σπιθαμή

Lemma: σπιθαμή

Translation: span; handspan; palm (as unit of measurement) (noun)

Etymology: From Ancient Greek σπιθαμή (spithamē), referring to the distance between the tip of the thumb and the little finger when the hand is fully spread, approximately 23 centimeters or 9 inches. This measurement unit was widely used in ancient architecture and construction.

Example Usage

Το ύψος του δεν ξεπερνά τη μία σπιθαμή

Its height doesn't exceed one handspan

Προχώρησε σπιθαμή προς σπιθαμή

He advanced span by span

Mnemonics

  • Think of 'span' and imagine spreading your hand to measure something
  • Remember 'spit' + 'ham' - imagine spreading your hand to measure a ham

Related Words, Phrases & Idioms

σπιθαμιαίος

Unknown

No translation

Synonyms

παλάμη

Unknown

No translation

Example Wordforms

σπιθαμή

Cultural Context

While less commonly used in modern Greek for measurement, it remains in use in certain traditional contexts and metaphorical expressions, particularly when describing something small or diminutive.

Easily Confused With

πιθαμή

Unknown

No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: Common mispronunciation/misspelling of σπιθαμή, missing the initial 'σ'

This word:

Μέτρησε μια σπιθαμή με το χέρι του

He measured a span with his hand

Notes: The correct form always begins with 'σ'

Mnemonic: Remember the 'σ' - it's essential for the correct form