Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

sapinda

noun
Save Word
sa·​pin·​da | \ səˈpində \
plural -s

Definition of sapinda

: a person considered in relation to any of his or her three or sometimes six nearest lineal male ancestors or descendants

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for sapinda

Sanskrit sapiṇḍa, literally, having the same lump, from sa- one and the same (akin to sama same) + piṇḍa lump of rice offered to deceased ancestors; from the fact that the lump is offered to the three nearest ancestors and the crumbs to the next three

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about sapinda

Statistics for sapinda

Cite this Entry

“Sapinda.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapinda. Accessed 26 Sep. 2020.

Comments on sapinda

What made you want to look up sapinda? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

emollient

Listen to the pronunciation of emollient

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized drawing of woman pole vaulting across gap to get trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games