pernix

Latin

Etymology

Connected with perna (“ham, haunch”), though the expected form would be *pernāx.[1][2]

Pronunciation

(Classical) IPA^(key): /ˈper.niːks/, [ˈpɛrniːks̠]

(Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /ˈper.niks/, [ˈpɛrniks]

Adjective

pernīx (genitive pernīcis, comparative pernīcior, superlative pernīcissimus, adverb pernīciter); third-declension one-termination adjective

nimble, agile
swift
- Vergilius, Aeneis, Book IV, line 180
  Pernīcibus ālīs
  (With) swift wings.

Usage notes

According to Döderlein, celer and citus mean "swift, fast, quick" in terms of quick motion (in general) with tardus as their antonym. More specifically, citus refers to a lively motion, whereas celer refers to an eager or impetuous motion.

On the other hand, pernīx and vēlōx as "quick" denote a level of athletic nimbleness in terms of bodily activity, with lentus as their antonym. More specifically, pernīx involves a level of dexterity and quickness in an eclectic range of actions (such as climbing, hurdling, jumping, vaulting, etc.); whereas vēlōx is especially used for running, swimming and flying (moving in a direction)

Thirdly, properus and festīnus as "quick" refer specifically to one's speed in terms of the shortest time to reach a destination, with sēgnis as their antonym. More specifically, festīnus intimates a certain level of impatience, whereas properus simply indicates a haste from energy simply.

Declension

Third-declension one-termination adjective.

Case / Gender	Masc./Fem.	Neuter	Masc./Fem.	Neuter
Number	Singular		Plural
Nominative	pernīx		pernīcēs	pernīcia
Genitive	pernīcis		pernīcium
Dative	pernīcī		pernīcibus
Accusative	pernīcem	pernīx	pernīcēs	pernīcia
Ablative	pernīcī		pernīcibus
Vocative	pernīx		pernīcēs	pernīcia

Related terms

pernīcitās
pernīciter

References

“pernix”, in Charlton T. Lewis and Charles Short (1879) A Latin Dictionary, Oxford: Clarendon Press
“pernix”, in Charlton T. Lewis (1891) An Elementary Latin Dictionary, New York: Harper & Brothers
pernix in Gaffiot, Félix (1934) Dictionnaire illustré latin-français, Hachette

De Vaan, Michiel (2008) Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the other Italic Languages (Leiden Indo-European Etymological Dictionary Series; 7)‎, Leiden, Boston: Brill, →ISBN
Clark, John (1893): Manual of Linguistics: A Concise Account of General and English Phonology, with Supplementary Chapters on Kindred Topics, p. 51

[1] De Vaan, Michiel (2008) Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the other Italic Languages (Leiden Indo-European Etymological Dictionary Series; 7)‎, Leiden, Boston: Brill, →ISBN

[2] Clark, John (1893): Manual of Linguistics: A Concise Account of General and English Phonology, with Supplementary Chapters on Kindred Topics, p. 51