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mudukā

muduka

masc nom pl of muduka (adj); fem nom sg of muduka (adj); fem nom pl of muduka (adj); nt nom pl of muduka (adj); …

1. soft; delicate; refined

Built from

• mud — root · soft, soften
  From *mr̥d-, the same root as Sanskrit mṛdu and Latin mollis. Conveys the concrete tactile sense of yielding to pressure.
• ka — ending · diminutive/qualitative suffix
  Marks the adjective as soft in quality, often implying gentleness or an inherent tendency rather than a temporary state.

Etymology. Root √mud (to be soft, to soften) with diminutive/qualitative suffix -ka. Related to Sanskrit mṛdu (soft, tender), from Indo-European *mr̥d- (to rub, soften): compare Latin mollis (soft, via different ablaut), Greek malakós (soft), and English mellow. The sense evolves from the concrete tactile property to figurative refinement of character or manner.

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

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