okùn ilẹ̀
noun
/ō.kũ̀ ī.lɛ̀/
Definitions
- snake; (in particular) used to refer to snakes in the night, where it is believed calling one by its "real name," (ejò) may summon one.
Etymology
From okùn (“rope, string”) + ilẹ̀ (“ground, earth”), a very old euphemism, attested in languages throughout Volta-Niger, compare with Itsekiri eguálẹ̀, Ayere unfanalè, Igbo elili ọfīa (“rope of the forest”). Also see Igala ẹ́ñwu-anẹ̀ (“thing of the ground”). Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *o-kũ̀ a-lɛ̀
Component words
Source: Wiktionary,
where this word is spelled “okun ilẹ”.
Reference:
en-okun_ilẹ-yo-noun-NWjCZYzi