delw

Welsh

Etymology

From Middle Welsh delw, from Old Welsh delu, from Proto-Brythonic *delw, from Proto-Celtic *delwā, from Proto-Indo-European *delh₁- (“to split”); compare Old Irish delb.

Pronunciation

• (North Wales) IPA^(key): /ˈdɛlʊ/
• (South Wales) IPA^(key): /ˈdeːlu/, /ˈdɛlu/

Noun

delw f (plural delwau)

1. image

   Synonyms: portread, delwedd

2. statue, sculpture

   Synonyms: cerflun, portread

3. effigy

   Synonym: delwad

4. idol

   Synonym: eilun

Derived terms

• ar ddelw (“in the image of”)
• cynddelw (“model, prototype”)
• delfryd (“ideal”)
• delw gerfiedig (“graven image”)
• delwad (“form, creation”)
• delwedd (“image”)
• dewin delwau (“spin doctor”)

Mutation

Mutated forms of delw

radical	soft	nasal	aspirate
delw	ddelw	nelw	unchanged

Note: Certain mutated forms of some words can never occur in standard Welsh.
All possible mutated forms are displayed for convenience.

Further reading

• D. G. Lewis, N. Lewis, editors (2005–present), “delw”, in Gweiadur: the Welsh–English Dictionary, Gwerin
• R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “delw”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies