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aṇumattesu
aṇumatta
masc loc pl of aṇumatta (adj); nt loc pl of aṇumatta (adj)
- tiniest; smallest; lit. atom sized
Built from
- aṇu — root · atom
The smallest perceptible unit in early Buddhist physics. Cognate with Sanskrit aṇu and possibly related to Latin anus 'ring' (something minimal or bound), though the connection is uncertain.
- mat — stem · measure, size
From √mā 'to measure', the same root as English measure, Latin modus 'mode, measure', and Greek metron 'measure'. The -ta suffix turns it into an adjective meaning 'measured by' or 'of the measure of'.
- ta — ending · adjective
Nominal suffix creating adjectives from verbal roots, here completing matta 'having the measure of'.
- esu — ending · locative plural
Locative case plural ending, functioning here to denote location or circumstance, and agreeing with either masculine or neuter noun.
Etymology. aṇu 'atom' + matta 'measure, size': literally 'atom-measured'. Aṇu is of uncertain origin; matta derives from √mā 'measure' (Latin modus, Greek metron), the past participle stem of the root that builds mitti 'measure' and related forms.