ziniperus

Alteration of Classical iūniperus, perhaps with vowel assimilation. Surfaces in this form in the Appendix Probi^[1] where the initial ⟨z⟩ hints at an affricated fortis allophone of /j-/. Cf. Late Latin spellings such as ⟨zanuario⟩ for iānuāriō.

ziniperus m (genitive ziniperī); second declension (Late Latin, proscribed)

1. alternative form of iūniperus (“juniper”)
   • [3rd–4th century, Appendix Probi, line 197:

     iunipirus^[sic] non ziniperus^[2]

     (The correct form is) iunipirus,^[sic] not ziniperus]

Second-declension noun.

• see: iūniperus