Proto-South Dravidian : *alai-
Meaning : to wash
Tamil : alampu (alampi-)
Tamil meaning : to wash, rinse
Tamil derivates : alacu (alaci-) to rinse; alaicu (alaici-) to wash, rinse; (RS) alaittal to wash clothes by moving them about in water
Malayalam : alakkuka
Malayalam meaning : to wash clothes by beating
Malayalam derivates : alakku washing; alampuka to shake clothes in water
Kannada : alambu, alumbu, alabu, alubu
Kannada meaning : to rinse, wash
Kannada derivates : ale to wash; alasu to shake or agitate in water (as a cloth, vegetables, etc., for cleansing)
Tulu : alambuni
Tulu meaning : to wash
Tulu derivates : alumbuni, lumbuni to plunge, wash, rinse
Notes : Auslaut *-ai- is clearly seen in such forms as Tam. alai-cu (alongside the less archaic ala-cu) and, of course, Kan. ale. In most cases, however, the original stem has been extended by means of the suffix *-mb-, with PSDR *-ai- neutralised in this position (*alai-mb- > *alamb-).
Number in DED : 0246
