tebqa

Maltese

Root
t-b-q
5 terms

Etymology

From Arabic طِبْق (ṭibq), طَبَق (ṭabaq), طَبَقة (ṭabaqa), or a merger of these.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈtɛp.ʔa/
• Rhymes: -ɛpʔa

Noun

tebqa f (dual tebqtejn or tebqejn, plural tbieqi, paucal tebqat or tebqiet)

1. (now usually in fixed contexts) one of two corresponding things, especially where one fits or shuts into the other
   1. (also tebqa tal-bieb) doorleaf
   2. (also tebqa tal-għajn) eyelid

      Synonyms: għatu tal-għajn, kappell tal-għajn (both commoner)

   3. (also tebqa tas-sorm) buttock
   4. (also tebqa tal-fwied) caul, caul fat
2. an instance of shutting; (especially of the eye) a blink

Usage notes

• Distinguish between tebqa tal-għajn or tebqet il-għajn (“eyelid”) on the one hand, and tebqa t’għajn or tebqa ta’ għajn (“blink of an eye, moment”) on the other.