HeyRuaHow to say “grinding” in Irish
- Irish:
- meilt
- English:
- grinding, wearing down
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- meil, to grind (ag meilt, grinding)
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “melt” /mʲɛl̠ʲtʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- meilte, na meilte (e.g. cloch mheilte, grinding stone)
What does “meilt” mean?
“Meilt” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- grinding
- The act of grinding or milling something such as grain; it is the verbal noun of the verb meil.Also: milling, grind, crushing.
1 other meaning: wearing down
- 2wearing down
- Gradual wearing away or using up of something, such as time or energy, also from the verb meil.Also: erosion, wasting, attrition.
“Meilt” as a verbal noun
After ag, meilt means grinding: it is the verbal noun of the verb meil (to grind). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Meilt” with the article
Here is meilt after the article (an t-alt).
“Meilt” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using meilt, the Irish word for grinding.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Grinding in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for grinding?
The Irish for grinding is meilt (pronounced “melt”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wearing down.
How do you pronounce meilt in Irish?
Meilt is said like “melt” (IPA /mʲɛl̠ʲtʲ/).
Does meilt have a plural?
No plural form is given for meilt in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does meilt have more than one meaning?
Yes. Meilt can mean grinding or wearing down, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does meilt change to mheilt?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mheilt. After ár (our) it stays ár meilt, because m does not take eclipsis.
How is 'ag meilt' used figuratively?
Besides grinding grain, 'ag meilt ama' means wasting time, and 'ag meilt cainte' means chattering idly.
