Proto-Tungus-Manchu: *ńal-
Meaning: 1 groove on upper lip 2 gums of teeth
Russian meaning: 1 желобок на верхней губе 2 десны
Literary Manchu: ńalma 1, ńa-si, ńa-ša 2
Comments: ТМС 1, 630, 636. With the original meaning 'sprout' one could also compare Evk. ńalba-kta 'young grass', and perhaps Ud. ńalasa 'white strip of fur close to animals' neck' (ТМС 1, 629).