twrf

Welsh

Alternative forms

  • twrw, twryf
  • tŵrf, twrwbh, twrwf, twryv (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle Welsh twryf, from Latin turba, from Ancient Greek τύρβη (túrbē). Doublet of torf.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈtʊrv/

Noun

twrf m (plural tyrfau or twrfau)

  1. disturbance, tumult, uproar
    Synonyms: dwndwr, mwstwr
  2. (South Wales) thunderclap
    Synonyms: taran, trwst
  3. (obsolete) mob, crowd, throng, multitude

Usage notes

When referring to thunder, Welsh may employ the singular twrf or plural tyrfau to correspond to English collective noun thunder depending on the context, e.g.

  • Glywest ti’r twrf ’na?
    Did you hear that thunder? (i.e. that (single) clap of thunder)
  • Glywest ti’r tyrfau ’na?
    Did you hear that thunder? (i.e. those (several) claps of thunder)

Derived terms

  • cadw twrf (“to make a racket”)
  • cynnwrf (“commotion”)
  • mwy o daro nac o dwrf (“appearance without reality; much ado about nothing”)

Mutation

Mutated forms of twrf
radical soft nasal aspirate
twrf dwrf nhwrf thwrf

Note: Certain mutated forms of some words can never occur in standard Welsh.
All possible mutated forms are displayed for convenience.

Further reading

  • R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “twrf”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies
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