wreef

Dutch

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /vreːf/

• Audio:

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• Hyphenation: wreef
• Rhymes: -eːf

Etymology 1

From Middle Dutch wrijch (“instep”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *wrīha(n)-. Most likely influenced by the Dutch verb wrijven (“to rub”). Cognate with Old High German rīho (“knee; back of knee”), from which dialectal German Reihen (“instep”).

Noun

wreef f (plural wreven, diminutive wreefje n)

1. the arched part of the top of the foot between the toes and the ankle; instep
   • 2004, Marjon van Royen, De nacht van de schreeuw. Een ongewone vriendschap tussen twee vrouwen in Mexico:

     Mevrouw Lykari heeft met haar naaldhak op mijn wreef gestampt.

     Mrs Lykari stamped on my instep with her stiletto heel.

Etymology 2

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

Verb

wreef

1. singular past indicative of wrijven