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kaṇṇampi

kaṇṇa

masculine nominative singular + api (enclitic particle)

1. ear
2. edge; border; corner

Built from

• kaṇṇa — root · ear; edge
  Cognate with Sanskrit karṇa, Greek kranion. The primary sense is ear; the 'edge' meaning arises from the ear's sharp, projecting margin.
• mpi — ending · even; also
  Enclitic particle api (often written -mpi after m) expressing emphasis, concession, or inclusion ('even', 'also', 'too'). Frequently used in negative contexts to intensify denial.

Analysis. kaṇṇa + api: 'even the ear' or 'ear also'; the enclitic particle api adds emphasis or concession. Often appearing in negated contexts: na kaṇṇampi (not even the ear).

Etymology. kaṇṇa is cognate with Sanskrit karṇa and Greek κρανίον (kranion 'skull'), both from an Indo-European root *ker- 'horn, head'; the ear was named from its horn-like projections. The outer edge senses derive from the ear's prominent border or ridge.

Meanings from the Digital Pāḷi Dictionary; morphology and etymology by Claude.

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