Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/mexkena·hkwa

This Proto-Algonquian entry contains reconstructed words and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Algonquian

Alternative forms

*meʔšixkena·hkwa
*meʔkena·hkwa(?)

Noun

*mexkena·hkwa

snapping turtle

Descendants

Plains Algonquian:
- probably Arapaho bä'änaⁿ
- probably Gros Ventre bä'änou
- Cheyenne: ma'ēno (“turtle”)
Central Algonquian:
- Cree miskinâhk (“turtle”)
- Menominee: mehkɛ·na·h (“big turtle”)
- Ojibwe: mikinaak (“a snapping turtle”)

References

Siebert (1941)
In Honor of Mary Haas →ISBN, edited by William Shipley, 1988): lists "PA *mexkena-hkwa 'snapping turtle'"
David Costa, The Historical Phonology of Miami-Illinois Consonants, in the International Journal of American Linguistics, volume 57: lists both "*meʔšixkena·hkwa" and "*mexkena·hkwa"
Cheyenne Dictionary of Fisher, Leman, Pine, and Sanchez: lists both "*mexkena·hkwa" and "*meʔkena·hkwa"