Etymology Map
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Ulu

2 stages from Inuktitut to English.

Today it means a traditional crescent-shaped, all-purpose knife historically used by Inuit and other Arctic peoples

Where does the word "ulu" come from? It comes from Inuktitut ulu, adopted directly into English (1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
ulu
Inuktitut · pre-1800s
"a woman's knife"
named the crescent-shaped all-purpose knife traditionally used by women
2
Stage 2 of 2
ulu
English · 1900s
"a traditional crescent-bladed Arctic knife"
borrowed directly into English through contact with Inuit communities
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