volva
- noun
- /ˈvɒlvə/
- Specialized
- Some fungi have a distinctive volva that helps identify their species.
Examples
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The volva is a key feature in the classification of certain types of mushrooms.
-
I don't know about this particular woman seer or volva yet.
Academic text (1998) -
And because he has beaten the drum like seeresses, like volvas, do.
Academic text (1998) -
Perhaps the prophecy of the volva, of the return of the "green Earth," will finally be realized as we rediscover the ancient knowledge of our inseparable connection with the Whole.
Academic text (2000) -
A good many of these Norse volvas seem to have had Sami connections (genetic and otherwise).
Academic text (1998) -
In order for the Norse volvas of old to see and speak prophecy, vardlokkur, spirit songs, had to be chanted.
Academic text (2000) -
For example, he calls up the volva seeress to describe the history of the cosmos in "Voluspa," and a seeress is again sought out in Baldrs Draumar to determine how he can help his son.
Academic text (1999) -
"This is the mead from which the gods obtain their inspired wisdom, as do the poets and seers, skalds and volvas, who are gifted with this ecstatic inspiration.
Academic text (1990) -
The volva is often found at the base of mushrooms after the veil bursts.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word volva comes from the Latin volvere, meaning 'to roll', and the same root appears in revolve. A helpful way to remember it is to think of a volva as the 'wrapper' or cup that stays at the base of a mushroom after its outer cover breaks, which is why the name fits.
