bahuvrihi

noun

ba·​hu·​vri·​hi

ˌbä(ˌ)hüvˈrēhē

plural -s

: a class of compound words whose meanings follow the formula "(one) having a B that is A" where A stands for the first constituent of the compound and B for the second

also : a compound word belonging to this class (such as graybeard, blockhead, or barefoot) see possessive entry 1 sense 1b

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit bahuvrīhi, literally, having much rice (a compound of this type), from bahu much + vrīhi rice

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

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