-ulum

ulûm Latin Etymology 1 la instrument :inh<unc> itc-pro:*-klom :inh<unc> itc-pro:*-elos suffix 1 Functions as a phonologically conditioned alternative form (allomorph) of the suffix la -culum, from la ine-pro *-tlom. It possibly developed from a phonological rule that deleted the initial stop of the suffix when it came after a stop, or from simplification of geminates (e.g. *spek-tlo- > *spek-klo-). However, Sen 2015 argues that instrumental ending -ulum is derived from the neuter of the etymologically distinct suffix la -ulus (found in some agent nouns, such as la figulus potter) from Proto-Italic itc-pro *-elos.Ranjan Sen Syllable and Segment in Latin Oxford University Press 2015 9780199660186 131-132, 152-153 Compare the feminine variant la -ula. Pronunciation -ulum stressed on the antepenult Suffix -ulum<2> Used to form a noun of instrument or means from a verb. la amicio amiculum la specio speculum la cingo cingulum Declension -ulum<2> Derived terms la Etymology 2 la diminutive :inh itc-pro:*-elom<id:diminutive> Suffix la suffix form la -ulus nom//acc//voc n s ; acc m s References Further reading Clackson, James, Indo-European Word Formation: Proceedings from the International Conference, 2002.