Noun: 3rd Declension -ξ

GrammarNoun – 3rd Declension -ξ singular

The 3rd declension endings for masculine and feminine nouns are consistent across all paradigms, but the endings will appear differently depending on how they interact with different noun stems. This lesson introduces these endings with nouns that have stems ending in γ, κ, or χ.

fromLesson 15.3

MorphologyNoun – 3rd Declension -ξ singular

• The 3rd declension noun endings are identical to the WH-word endings (see 12.3.3.1).
• Like the WH-word paradigm, the σ in the nom sg may change the last letter of the stem; stems ending in γ, κ, and χ all combine with σ to form ξ.
• Examples: σαλπιγγ-ς → σάλπιγξ; σάρκ-ς → σάρξ; θριχ-ς → θρίξ
• The full stem can only be seen in cases other than the nom sg.

fromLesson 15.3

MorphologyNoun – 3rd Declension -ξ plural

• Remember: The 3rd declension noun endings are identical to the WH-word endings (see 12.3.3.1)
• The long gen pl ending shifts the accent back
• The σ in the dat pl ending contracts with the final letter of the stem like the nom sg (see 15.3.3.1)
• Remember: the 3rd declension noun γυνή is irregular and has the stem γυναικ- (see again 15.3.3.1); the pl forms have unique accenting rules

fromLesson 16.3