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Glite Dictionary
Centum language

Centum language

9.9
A group of Indo-European languages that keep original k sounds, for example Latin
  • noun
  • /ˈsɛntəm ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lengua centum
  • Latin is an example of a Centum language, preserving original velar consonants from Proto-Indo-European.

Examples

  • In comparative linguistics, Centum languages are contrasted with Satem languages due to their sound changes.

  • Tocharian, once spoken in Central Asia, is classified as a Centum language despite its eastern location.

  • The Centum languages include Latin and Greek.

  • Did you know that Centum languages are distinct from Satem languages?

  • In comparative linguistics, Centum languages are contrasted with Satem languages due to their sound changes.

  • Latin is an example of a Centum language, preserving original velar consonants from Proto-Indo-European.

  • Tocharian, once spoken in Central Asia, is classified as a Centum language despite its eastern location.

Synonyms

centum
vsCentum language
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of related languages like Latin and Greek that share an ancient change in word sounds

is a linguistic label stressing preserved labiovelars and resulting velar sounds

Surface Forms

Centum language singular
Centum languages plural

Morphology

centum + language

This is a straightforward label + noun composition: 'centum' names a subgroup of Indo‑European languages and 'language' denotes a spoken/written system, so 'Centum language' simply means a language that belongs to the Centum group. The meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and follows a common cross‑linguistic pattern of 'X language', so it is transparent to learners who know both words.

Etymology

Centum language gets its name from the Latin word centum, meaning 'hundred', because that word kept a hard 'k' sound instead of changing to an 's'. So 'Centum languages' are the group of languages that kept the old hard 'k' sound.