Κ κ  kappa (κάππά)     core               pronounce: “k” sometimes Anglicized as “soft c=s”

The letter Κ means core, with the implication of something emerging from the core.

Many Greek words beginning with Κ were Anglicized by replacing the letter Κ with the letter C. For example, the proper name Core (the immortal daughter of Demeter) is defined by Webster’s as “Kore.”

Webster’s defines core as “the central part of a fleshy fruit, containing the seeds; the central, innermost, or most essential part of anything.”

A sprouting seed extends both upward and downward from its core, similar to the legs of the letter Κ.
http://livelaughloveandgrow.blogspot.com/ .

Germinating chickpea.

http://www.123rf.com/photo_8561374_closeup-of-a-germinating-chickpea-seed.html

Germinating bean seed.

http://www.123rf.com/photo_12808202_germinating-bean-seed-showing-fresh-young-leaves-and-a-tap-root-isolated-against-white.html


CENTER

Kentro- (κεντρο-) is a prefix meaning center, literally “core essence prevailing.”

Kentron (κέντρον) means centron, a cardinal point (north/south/east/west); any sharp point, spike. Kentrikos (κεντρικός) means of or belonging to a cardinal point.

Kentrophoros (κεντροφόρος) means containing the center of the universe, “center (κεντρο) bearing (φόρος).”

Centro Barika (Kentrobarika (Κεντροβᾰρικά)) is the title of a treatise by Archimedes (circa 300 BCE) on the center of gravity and problems related to this subject; note that barika (βᾰρικά) means weight, pressure, “center (Κεντρο) weight (βᾰρικά).”

Archimedes famously said regarding the center of gravity and leverage, "Give me a place to stand on, and I will move the earth."

(Quoted by Pappus of Alexandria (circa 340 CE) in
Synagoge, Book VIII, edited by Friedrich Otto Hultsch (Berlin: 1878) 1060.)  

Engraving from Mechanic’s Magazine, cover of bound Volume II (London: Knight & Lacey, 1824).

http://www.math.nyu.edu/~crorres/Archimedes/Lever/LeverIntro.html

Keuthos (κεῦθος) means the depths of the earth; innermost chambers, literally “core essence pure divine.”

Diagram of the center of the earth. http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/hiking/compass1.htm


CORE:  EMBRYO, FRUIT, SEEDS, NUTS, BEANS, BULBS, STEM, TRUNK

Fruit of the Womb

Kaloi (Καλοί) are divinities worshipped in childbirth, literally “core arising loosen.”

Kapee (κάπη) means crib or manger, literally “core arising unified center.” Kapetolios (Κᾰπετώλιος) is both the citadel (fortress) of any city and the month of December when the winter solstice occurs.

Kuo (κύω), kueo (κῠέω), kueeros (κύηρός), kueesis (κύησις), and kuma, (κῦμα) mean pregnant.

The prefix kuo- (κύο-) means pregnant; fetus, literally “core pure entity.”

Kueema (κύημα) means that which is conceived, the embryo or fetus. Kuma (κῦμα) means fetus, embryo.

The kudonea (κῠδωνέα), quince-tree, has fruit similar to that of a pear, appearing pregnant.

Quince fruit. http://www.helpfulhealthtips.com/quince-information-uses-and-benefits/

Kuoura (κύουρα) is a plant used to terminate a pregnancy. Kuthnon (κυθνόν) is a drug that prevents conception.

Kuneo (κῠνέω) and kuso (κύσω) mean kiss.

Kupris (Κύπρις) is a Greek island and also the word for love, passion, and Aphrodite, the immortal Goddess of love. Other Greek islands sacred to Aphrodite include Kutheera (Κύθηρα) and Kos (Κῶς).

The Nurse of Phaedra in Euripides’ play Hippolytus says of Aphrodite:

“. . . from Her all nature springs; she sows the seeds of love, inspires the warm desire to which we sons [sic] of earth all owe our being.”

(Euripides (circa 428 BCE). “Hippolytus,” Medea and Other Plays, translated by E. P. Coleridge (Digireads.com Publishing, 2012) 69.)

http://classics.mit.edu/Euripides/hippolytus.html

http://books.google.com/books?id=SdxJw9zaAAIC&pg=PA69&lpg=PA69&dq=From+Her+all+nature+springs;++She+sows+the+seeds+of+love,++inspires+the+warm+desire&source=bl&ots=9TQ7iEQfg9&sig=GB4zfRrBQY_1pAIWmSnqPNLK4Ks&hl=en&sa=X&ei=RvsLUcCCAvCw0QGS5oGwCw&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=From%20Her%20all%20nature%20springs%3B%20%20She%20sows%20the%20seeds%20of%20love%2C%20%20inspires%20the%20warm%20desire&f=false

Modern Cyprus.

http://www.ngtraveler.co.uk/Konnos_Bay.jpg

Paphos, Cyprus, circa 310-306 BCE. Head of Aphrodite right, wearing ornamented stephane and earring, Eagle standing left.

http://www.asiaminorcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=66&pos=4

Fruits of the Earth

Karpos (καρπός) means the fruits, vegetables, and grains of the earth and, specifically, corn, literally “core arising outflow.”

Fruits and vegetables of the earth. http://wallpaper-s.org/40__Fresh_Fruits_and_Vegetables.htm

In plants, the core is the:

-        kokkos (κόκκος):  seed, literally “core entity core core entity”

-        karuan (κάρῡαν): nut, literally “core arising outflow”

-        kuamos (κυᾰμος): bean, literally “core pure arising meta”

-        konos (κῶνος): cone, as in pinecone, literally “core brings-forth prevailing”

-        kodeia (κώδεια): bulb, literally “core brings-forth directed-trajectory”

-        kotinos (κότῐνος): olive, literally “core entity stretch/extend”

-        krithee (κρῑθή), kostai (κοσταί): barley, barley corn, literally “core outflow divine-power”

-        kaulos (καυλός): stalk/stem, literally “core arising pure loosened”

-        kormos (κορμός): trunk, literally “core entity outflow.”


Seeds. http://wakeup-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/seeds.gif

Nuts. http://voodookitchennet.blogspot.com/2011/04/this-is-nuts.html

Beans. http://www.examiner.com/healthy-living-in-boston/beans-beans

Pinecones. http://www.ehow.com/info_8558296_christmas-decorations-made-pinecones.html

Bulbs. http://www.easytogrowbulbs.com/images/customimages/mixedflowerbulbs.jpg

Stem. http://mset.rst2.edu/portfolios/t/talbot_m/advtechcurr/talbot_megan/unit_support/teacher_support/teacherpage.html

Tree trunk. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pagoda_Tree_Cornus_alternifolia_Trunk_2000px.jpg

Wild olive. http://www.knowyourgardensnatives.org/w16lb%20WildOlive.jpg

Barley. http://www.freefoto.com/preview/9907-06-31/Barley

Krith- (κρῑθ-) is a prefix meaning barley. Barley appears on the opposite side of many ancient coins bearing the image of the immortal Goddess Demeter.

Lucania   325-280 BCE, Wreathed head of Demeter left, wearing triple-pendant earring.
Seven-grained Barley ear, rake above leaf  META right. ex: Windsor Antiquities http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/lucania/metapontion/t.html


CANE: CORE ARISING

Many words beginning with the prefix ka- (κα-), literally “core arising,” pertain to stems, stalks, reeds, and cane, the “main ascending axis” of a plant which, according to Webster’s, “ordinarily grows in an opposite direction to the root or descending axis.”

Kal- (καλ-), literally “core arising loosened,” is a prefix for words pertaining to corn, reeds, cane, and anything beautiful.

Kam- (καμ-), literally “core arising meta,” is a prefix for words pertaining to reeds and cane. Kamaks (κάμαξ) means vine-pole; any pole; the shaft of a spear; tent-pole.

Kontos (κοντός) means pole.

Kan- (καν-), literally “core arising prevailing,” is a prefix for words pertaining to reeds and cane. The word candle derives from the Greek kandeelee (κανδήλη); deeloo (δηλόω) means make visible or manifest, show. Reeds are used as wicks in wax candles.

(David Fisher. “History and Types of Candle Wicks,” About.com, 2/5/13

http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/basicinstructions/a/History-And-Types-Of-Candle-Wicks.htm )

Kanon (κᾰνών) means general rule, derived from the word cane, kanna (κάννα, κάννη), Arundo Donax. Canes were used as measuring sticks. Webster’s defines canon as “the body of rules, principles, or standards accepted as axiomatic and universally binding in a field of study or art; a fundamental principle.”

Giant Cane (Arundo donax) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arundo_donax

Cane reeds played a central role in the daily lives of ancient Greeks, not only as measuring sticks but in the creation of household items, equipment, cloth, buildings, and music. Cane reeds were used to make:

-reed-mats

-reed-fences

-straight rods or bars especially to keep a thing straight

-staves which preserve the shape of a shield

-weaver’s rods to which alternate threads of the warp are attached

-ruddled lines used by masons and carpenters

-rulers, straight-edges

-beams or tongues of the balance

-curtain-rods

-reeds of a wind-organ

-bars of a window.

Kau- (καυ-), literally “core arising pure,” is a prefix pertaining to stems and stalks. Kaulos (καυλός) means the reed or stalk of the plant. Kalamos (κάλᾰμος) is a reed, cornstalk, or straw used for:

-thatching

-bedding 

-fuel

-pipes, flutes

-fishing-rods

-vine-poles

- rope, line, cable (κάλως).


KRONOS

In Orphic Hymn 12. to Saturn (Κρόνος), Orpheus describes Saturn/Kronos as “venerable root, From which the various forms of being shoot:”

“Etherial father, mighty Titan, hear,

Great sire of Gods [and Goddesses] and men (sic), whom all revere;

Endu’d with various council, pure and strong,

To whom perfection and decrease belong.

Consum’d by thee all forms that hourly die,

By thee restor’d, their former place supply;

The world immense in everlasting chains,

Strong and ineffable thy pow’r contains;

Father of vast eternity, divine,

O mighty Saturn, various speech is thine:

Blossom of earth and of starry skies,

Husband of Rhea, and Prometheus wise.

Obstetric Nature, venerable root,

From which the various forms of being shoot;

No parts peculiar can thy pow’r enclose,

Diffus’d thro’ all, from which the world arose.

O, best of beings, of a subtle mind,

Propitious hear to holy pray’rs inclin’d;

The sacred rites benevolent attend,

And grant a blameless life, a blessed end."

(Orpheus. The Hymns of Orpheus (circa 200 BCE), translated by Thomas Taylor, introductory preface by Manly P. Hall (London: Printed for the Author, 1792. Reprinted Los Angeles, CA: The Philosophical Research Society, 1981) 136 - 137.)

Kronos is equated with the planet Saturn. The Saturnalia is a Roman festival celebrated at the time of the winter solstice, the turning point when the daylight hours begin to grow longer.

Saturn orbits approximately every 29.5 years. Interestingly, Diodorus of Sicily reckons a generation to be a period of 30 years.

(Diodorus Siculus (of Sicily). Library of History 2.55.1-10.3). 

Kronos is the immortal God of the Golden Age, when people lived well and harmoniously, as described by Diodorus of Sicily and Hesiod:

"Cronus . . . caused all men who were his subjects to change from a rude way of living to civilized life . . .

“. . . he introduced justice and sincerity of soul, and this is why the tradition has come down to later generations that the men of Cronus’ time were good-hearted, altogether guileless, and blest with felicity . . .

“And because of the exceptional obedience to laws no injustice was committed by any one at any time and all the subjects of the rule of Cronus lived a life of blessedness, in the unhindered enjoyment of every pleasure. To this the poet Hesiod also bears witness in the following words:

“‘And they who were of Cronus’ day, what time

He reigned in heav’n, lived like the [G]ods [and Goddesses], no care

In heart, remote and free from ills and toils

Severe, from grievous sicknesses and cares;

Old age lay not upon their limbs, but they,

Equal in strength of leg and arm, enjoyed

Endless delight of feasting far from ills,

And when death came, they sank in it as in

A sleep. And many other things were theirs;

Grain-giving earth, unploughed, bore for them

            fruit

Abundantly and without stint; and glad

Of heart they dwelt upon their tilth throughout

The earth, in midst of blessings manifold,

Rich in their flocks, loved by the blessed [G]ods [and Goddesses].’"

(Diodorus Siculus (of Sicily). Library of History Books 5. 66. 4-6, translated by C. H. Oldfather, Loeb Classical Library (Cambridge, MA and London, England: Harvard University Press, 1939) 275-277.)

The stories surrounding Kronos as a son and father are violent ones. In an effort to secure his own power, he is said to have castrated his father, Ouranos, and attempted to eat all his children.


KOROS

Koros (κόρος) means boy, lad; sprout.

Kouro- (κουρο-) is a prefix meaning youth.

Koros (κορός) means dark, black; pure. Note that the immortal God Kronos (Κρόνος) is described in the Lexicon as koros nous (κορός νοῦς), “pure (κορός) mind (νοῦς).”


KORE

Koree/Kora (Κόρη, Κόρα, Κώρα, Κούρη, ΚορFα) is Persephone, the immortal Goddess of the afterlife and spring growth.

Koree (Κόρη) means daughter and also flour in deference to Demeter and Persephone’s roles as the immortal Goddesses of the fruits and grains of the earth.

Koriasia (Κοριάσια) is the festival of Kore.

Korthuno (κορθύνω, κορθύω) means to lift up, raise.

Kortaia (κορταία) means pastureland.

Koronee (κορώνη) means the tip of the plough-pole; on- (ών-) is a prefix meaning price paid.

Theoi.com offers a summary of the story of Persephone/Kore:

“Persephone was titled Kore (the Maiden) as the Goddess of spring's bounty. Once upon a time when she was playing in a flowery meadow with her Nymph companions, Kore was seized by [Pluto] and carried off to the underworld as his bride. Her mother Demeter despaired at her disappearance and searched for her the throughout the world . . . she was furious, and refused to let the earth fruit until Persephone was returned . . . but because the girl had tasted of the food of [Pluto]--a handful of pomegranate seeds—[Persephone] was forced to forever spend a part of the year with her husband [Pluto] in the underworld.

“Her annual return to the earth in spring was marked by the flowering of the meadows and the sudden growth of the new grain. Her return to the underworld in winter, conversely, saw the dying down of plants and the halting of growth.”

(Theoi.com, February 1, 2013 http://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Persephone.html )

Pausanias describes numerous temples where Kore is honored in conjunction with her immortal mother, Demeter:

"On entering the city [of Athens] there is a building for the preparation of the processions, which are held in some cases every year, in others at longer intervals. Hard by is a temple of Demeter, with images of the [G]oddess herself and of her daughter [Kore], and of Iacchus [leader of the Eleusinaian Mysteries] holding a torch. On the wall, in Attic characters, is written that they are works of Praxiteles."  

 (Pausanias. Description of Greece 1.2.4.)

"The small parishes of Attica, which were founded severally as chance would have it, presented the following noteworthy features. At Alimus is a sanctuary of Demeter Lawgiver and of the Maid [Kore], and ... Prospalta also has a sanctuary of the Maid and Demeter . . ."

(Pausanias. Description of Greece 1.31.1)

"As you go to Eleusis from Athens along what the Athenians call the Sacred Way you see [before crossing the River Cephisus] ... a sanctuary of Demeter and her daughter [Kore].”

(Pausanias. Description of Greece 1.36.3 – 1.37.2)

"On the citadel [of Phlius] is another enclosure, which is sacred to Demeter, and in it are a temple and statue of Demeter and her daughter [Kore] ... As you go down from the citadel you see ... a theater. Not far from it is a sanctuary of Demeter . . ."

(Pausanias. Description of Greece 2.13.5)

 ”The ritual performed at the pit hard by [at Argos] they say was instituted by Nicostratus, a native. Even at the present day they throw into the pit burning torches in honor of the Maid [Kore] who is daughter of Demeter."

(Pausanias. Description of Greece 2.22.3)

(Pausanias. Description of Greece, translated by W. H. S. Jones and H. A. Omerod, Loeb Classical Library (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd. 1918.) http://www.theoi.com/Text/Pausanias1A.html

Image of Persephone (Kore) presiding over the afterlife holding crossed torch, Krater circa 350 BCE,
Antikensammlungen, Munich. http://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Persephone.html


POMEGRANATE

Kokkon (κόκκων) means pomegranate-seed.

Kokkora (κόκκωρα) means pomegranate fruit.

Kutinos (κύτῐνος) means flower of the pomegranate. Kobaloi (κώβαλοι) is another name for the pomegranate flower.

The pomegranate has a brilliant orange flower and its fruit is rich with juicy red seeds.

Pomegranate flower http://farm1.staticflickr.com/94/219545081_28655e9017_o.jpg

Pomegranate fruit http://www.flowers.vg/online-digital-photos/plant.shtml?pomegranate

Pomegranate seeds  http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DlTjpgqONmY/S_Be2F5934I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/m13yb7pfvDc/s1600/2istanbulpom.jpg 


KAIROS

Kairos (καιρός) means vital part; the exact or critical time, in season, literally “core arising divine-power flow.”

Kairios (καίριος) means the vital part; chief, principal; at the exact moment; in season; in or at the right place.

A speaker wishing to emphatically assert a point will say kai (καί), meaning “and certainly,” or kai toi (καί τοι), meaning “and indeed.” 


CRISIS

Krisis (κρίσις) means separating, distinguishing; decision, judgment; event, issue, turning point, sudden change, climax; the basis for the word crisis.

Krima (κρίμα) means decision, judgment; decree, resolution.

Krino (κρίνω) means separate, distinguish; pick out, choose; decide (disputes, a question, a contest); judge, interpret; pass sentence, condemn.


KRIOS

The ancient Greek New Year was celebrated at the spring equinox, the point at which daytime hours begin to exceed nighttime hours.

Krios (Kρῑός) is the Ram, the constellation Aries, whose springtime rising (in late March/early April) marks the equinox. The appearance of Krios heralds the rebirth of spring, literally “core outflow-of divine-power.”

In Nonnos’ Dionysiaca, Helios (the Sun) tells his son, Phaethon, that the Ram (Krios) is the center of the universe. 

“‘Just listen to me, and I will tell you everything. When I reach the Ram, the center of the universe, the navel-star of Olympos, I in my exaltation let the Spring increase; and crossing the herald of the west wind, the turning-line which balances night equal with day, I guide the dewy course of that Season when the swallow comes [Spring].’”

Nonnos (circa 450 CE). Dionysiaca 38. 248-272, translated by W. H. D. Rouse, Loeb Classical Library (Cambridge, MA and London: Harvard University Press, 1940.)

 http://www.archive.org/stream/dionysiaca03nonnuoft/dionysiaca03nonnuoft_djvu.txt

Hermes, the immortal herald of the Gods and Goddesses, is depicted below carrying a ram across his shoulders.

Hermes Kriophoros, Hermes the Ram-bearer, circa 450 BCE, Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco, Second Floor, Room 5. http://en.museobarracco.it/percorsi/percorsi_per_temi/arte_greca/hermes_kriophoros


VITAL BODY PARTS

Many of the body’s vital parts begin with the letter Κ:

- kara (κάρᾱ), kareenon (κάρηνον), kephalee (κεφἅλή), kraira (κραῖρα), kras (κράς), krata (κρᾶτα), kubee (κύβη): head

- kranion (κρᾶνίον): the part of the skull that encloses the brain, cranium

- kerebron (κέρεβρον): cerebrum

- kardia (καρδία): heart, cardio

- kitharos (κιθαρος), the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen: thorax

- koilia (κοιλία): belly, abdomen, intestines

- kas (κάς): skin; note that kasis (κάσις) means brother, kasia (κασία) means sister

- kolpos (κόλπος): bosom; lap; vagina; bosom-like hollow; enveloping force

- kolon (κόλον): colon

- kochonee (κοχώνη): the perineum (area containing the vulva; the base of the penis).


KUBELEE

Kubee (κύβη) means head.

Kubizo (κῠβίζω) means cube; cubic; raised to the cube; to be multiplied; make into a solid.

Kubelee (Κύβέλη), Cybele, is the Phrygian immortal Mother of the Gods and Goddesses. Ancient Phrygia is located within modern Turkey.

Kubeena (κύβηνα) means old woman.

Kubeebos (κύβηβος) is a minister of Kubelee.

Korubas (Κορύβᾱς) is a Korybant, a priest of Kubelee in Phrygia or a priest of Dionysos, the immortal God of wine.  

Male devotees of Kubelee were notable for their practice of self-castration as a sign of devotion to the Mother of the Gods and Goddesses and in imitation of Kubelee’s beloved Attis.

In Ovid’s Fasti, a Muse describes Attis’ self-castration upon breaking his vow to Kubelee:

“’[Attis cries:]            “Ah, death to the parts which have ruined me!”

“Ah, death to them!” he said, and cropped his groin’s weight.

            Suddenly no signs of manhood remained.

His madness became a model: soft-skinned acolytes

            Toss their hair and cut their worthless organs.’"

(Ovid. Fasti 4.240-244, translated by A. J. Boyle and R. D. Woodard (London and New York: Penguin Books, 2004) 89.)


KABEIRIA

Kabeiria (καβείρια) are immortal deities of creation.

William Smith’s A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities provides a description of the Kabeiria (καβείρια) deities: the Mother (Demeter), her Daughter (Persephone) her Son (Hades/Pluto), and Hermes:

“CABEIRIA (καβείρια), the mysteries of the Pelasgic Cabeiri, were celebrated in the islands stretching from Euboea to the Hellespont, in the volcanic Lemnos, Imbros, and most of all in Samothrace. We also find them on the adjacent coasts of Europe and Asia Minor, at Thebes and Andania in Greece; and we even hear of their worship as being solemnized in an island near Britain.

Map showing Samothrace, Imbros, Lemnos, Euboea, and Turkey (Asia Minor). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aegean_with_legends.svg

Thebes (Greece) is located between Athens and Delphi. Andania is located on the Peloponnese near Olympia. http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120806024933/spartacus/images/d/df/Greece_map.gif

“Like the Eleusinia, an almost complete secrecy had been maintained as to the ceremonies and teaching of these mysteries. Yet we know the names of the [G]ods [and Goddesses] . . . they are four in number . . . The names of the Samothracian Cabeiri . . . are Axieros ( = Demeter), Axiokersa ( = Persephone), Axiokersos ( = Hades), Casmilos ( = Hermes) . . . Axiokersos (Hades) appears further as Zeus, Uranus, Jupiter, Apollo, Dionysus-Liber; and Casmilos (Hermes) as Mercurius or Eros . . .

“The group is a primal mother [G]oddess, issue of whom are two divinities, a male and a female (Hades and Persephone), from whom again springs a fourth, Casmilos (Hermes), the orderer of the universe.

“ . . . Throughout the Roman period the Cabeiric mysteries were held in high estimation, second only to the Eleusinian . . .

“. . . As in all mysteries, the votary must be purified in body and mind before initiation . . . Women and children appear to have been admitted as well as men. Of the religious ceremonies themselves we may say we know nothing . . . We hear of dances . . . But the whole matter is quite obscure and unsettled.

“The Scholiast on Apollonius Rhodius tells us that the initiated wore a purple band round their waist . . . Diodorus further says . . . that those who were initiated became more pious, more righteous, and in every respect better than they were before . . .

“The initiation at Samothrace took place at any time from May to September, in this differing from the Eleusinian and more resembling the Orphic mysteries.

“. . . the Cabeiri themselves do appear to be symbols of the creation of the world. From the primeval mother emanate or differentiate themselves two elements, matter (earth) and force (especially fire, celestial and terrestrial) . . . and by the action of the former on the latter the ordered world is generated.”

(William Smith, William Wayte, and G. E. Marindin, editors. A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (London: John Murray, 1890) 319-321.) http://books.google.com/books?id=7h1XAAAAMAAJ&q=mother#v=snippet&q=mother&f=false )


CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

Kaisar (Καῖσαρ) means Emperor, Caesar, the central ruler.

Kraino (κραίνω) means reign. Kreion (κρείων) and koiraneo (κοιρᾰνέω) mean ruler, master, sovereign.

Krateo (κρᾰτέω) means to rule, hold sway, conquer, prevail.

Kartos (κάρτος) and similarly-spelled kratos (κράτος) mean strength, vigor, might.

Krateesis (κράτησις) means might, power, dominion.   

Kuria (κῦρία) means authority, power, possession, control, literally “core pure outflow-of divine-power.”

Kuros (κύρος) means supreme power, authority.


KATHETOS

The “legs” of the letter Κ resemble the “legs,” of a right triangle.

The kathetos (καθετος) is either of the sides of a right triangle other than its hypotenuse.

In architecture, the kathetos (καθετος) is the exact center of the spiral-shaped volute crowning an Ionic pillar, literally “core arising divine essence extend.”

(Encyclopædia Britannica, Eleventh Edition/Cathetus (Cambridge, England: University of Cambridge, 1911).  

 Diagram of the top of an Ionic column and its volute.

(Charles Philippe Dieussart, Architektur & Kapitell & Volute & Ornament & Eierstab Blatt & Ornament (Deutsche Fotothek: 1692).

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AFotothek_df_tg_0008026_Architektur_%5E_Kapitell_%5E_Volute_%5E_Eierstab_Blatt_%5E_Ornament.jpg

(Serlio, quoting Vitruvius,  Chapter VII, On the Ionic order and its ornaments, . Serlio, Architettura (1537-1551), IV (1)   http://www.vitruvius.be/serlio1.htm

It is of interest to note that the volute is a feature of modern pump systems, used to convert kinetic energy into static pressure:

“Designers use volutes and/or diffusers to efficiently convert kinetic energy imparted by the impeller into static pressure and to direct the flow to the next stage or pump discharge . . . The most common method for controlled velocity reduction in a single stage centrifugal pump is a volute used in concert with a discharge nozzle.”

(Dale B. Andrews, Editor, “Volutes & Diffusers, Run Times,” Lawrence Pumps Newsletter, October 2006.)  

The volute is an example of Archimedes golden ratio, represented by the letter phi, Φ. Archimedes wrote a book entitled On Spirals, circa 287-212 BCE, calling spirals “marvelous:”

“Nature loves logarithmic spirals. From sunflowers, seashells, and whirlpools, to hurricanes and giant spiral galaxies, it seems that nature chose this marvelous shape as its favorite ‘ornament.”

(Mario Livio, The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, The World's Most Astonishing Number (New York: Broadway Books, 2002) 117.)

http://books.google.com/books?id=bUARfgWRH14C&pg=PA279&lpg=PA279&dq=Archimedes+golden+ratio&source=bl&ots=APMkkSEoLl&sig=08ol0Mj8myhf9O_6L6XLzYq-e5g&hl=en&ei=X1KoTuTgLoji0QHm7KmaDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CDoQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=Archimedes%20golden%20ratio&f=false

Kochlos (κόχλος) is a shellfish with a spiral shell.

Seashell in a volute shape. http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2009/07/15/drawing-a-volute/

Galaxy in a volute shape.

http://in2visualdesign.blogspot.com/2011/04/week-7-golden-ratio.html

Kukao (κύκάω) means to stir.

Kuklos (κύκλος) means circle, cycle, literally “core pure core loosened.”

Kuklops (Κύκλωψ) means Cyclops, “round (Κύκλ)-eyed (ωψ).”

Kuknos (κύκνος) means swan, a large bird with curved wings.

Swan with curved wings. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mute_Swan_at_Fleet_Pond.jpg

Kulio (κῠλίω) means to roll, the basis for the word cylindrical/kulindrikos (κῠλινδρικός).

Kurtos (κύρτος) means something convex, curving out or bulging outward, literally “core pure outflow.”


COSMOS

Kosmos (κόσμος) means order, good order, government, world-order, universe; of stars; of planets, literally “core entity synchronized.”

Kosmeo (κοσμέω) means to order, arrange, prepare; of this world, earthly; well-ordered.

Kosmo- (κοσμο-) is a prefix meaning world. Kosmo (κοσμώ) is a title of the priestess of  the immortal Goddess Pallas (Athena).

This image of the nearby spiral galaxy M101, better known as the Pinwheel Galaxy, is a three-color combination of images from NASA’s Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) spacecraft. The ultraviolet light, seen in blue in the arms of the galaxy, shows young stars (only 10 million years old), while the diffuse green visible light traces stars that have been living for more than 100 years. The red visible light image shows the stars that formed over a billion years ago.

http://www.amazus.org/2008/04/26/nasas-galex-spacecraft-and-its-best-pictures/


KLOTHO: SPINNING, FATE

Klotho (Κλώθώ) is the immortal Goddess of fate who spins the threads of life, literally “core loosened brings-forth.”

The Klothes (Κλῶθες) are the immortal Goddesses of fate who “clothe” individuals in their destiny.

Woman spinning, detail from an Attic white-ground oinochoe, circa 490 BCE, said to be from Locra, Italy, British Museum, Upper floor, room 69: Greek and Roman Life, Photographer Jastrow (2007) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Woman_spinning_BM_VaseD13.jpg
 
“The woman on this vase is spinning wool into thread. In her left hand she holds a rod which holds clumps of wool. With her right hand, she is drawing out a strand of the wool. This is attached to a weighted spindle hanging down which twists the wool to form a strong thread.”

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/families_and_children/museum_explorer/ancient_greece/tools_and_technology/jug_with_a_woman_spinning.aspx

Spinning fiber into thread. http://odysseyrockranch.blogspot.com/2008/03/quick-tutorial-on-spinning-yarn-and.html

The spinners of fate drew their fibers from the heavens, the spinning galaxies.

In Orphic Hymn 68. To the Fates (1-8), Orpheus calls on the “Daughters of darkling night” who reside in the “heavenly lake” in “a cave profound:”

“ . . . Who in the heavenly lake (where waters white

Burst from a fountain hid in depths of night,

And thro’ a dark and stony cavern glide;

A cave profound, invisible) abide;

From whence, wide coursing round the boundless earth,

Your pow’r extends to those of mortal birth . . .”

(Orpheus. The Hymns of Orpheus (circa 200 BCE), translated by Thomas Taylor, introductory preface by Manly P. Hall (London: Printed for the Author, 1792. Reprinted Los Angeles, CA: The Philosophical Research Society, 1981) 190-191.)

In a battle scene, Quintus Smyrnaeus depicts the immortal God Apollo reassuring two soldiers by saying:

". . . Fate hath spun long destiny-threads for thee and thee.”

(Quintus Smyrnaeus (circa 350 CE). The Fall of Troy 11.40 ff), translated by A. S. Way,  Loeb Classical Library (London: William Heinemann, 1913.)

Bas relief of Klotho spinning the thread of human life. This relief appears on the base of a lampstand in front of the Supreme Court of the United States. Note the rams’ heads appearing as volutes at the top of the structure.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clotho_(Washington,_DC).jpg

In a more pragmatic, domestic sense, klotho (κλώθω) means spinning the koas (κῶας) (fleece) (“core brings-forth”) of sheep or the fibers of karpasos (κάρπᾰσος) (flax/cotton) (“core arisng outflow”) into thread that can be woven into cloth.

Before spinning, the wool/flax/cotton has to be kteis (κτείς) (teased/combed/straightened out) (“core extend/stretch”) to remove bits of twigs, dirt, dust and other hard fragments. This is known as knao (κνάω), carding the wool.

When all tangles have been straightened, the mass of wool or flax/cotton is pulled into rope form and spun. The spindle holds the spun shape so that it doesn’t untwist. Then the thread is ready to be kreko (κρέκω) (woven) into cloth.

The kerkis (κερκίς) is the weaver’s shuttle.

Kathuphaino (καθῦφαίνω) means to interweave, weave in. 


CAUTERIZE

Kaio (καίω) means to kindle, to be lighted, burn, blaze, smelted, set on fire, cauterize, literally “core arising divine-power.”

Kaos (κάος) means that which burns.

Other words pertaining to burning and heat translate literally as “core arising pure:”

-kaumos (καῦμός) = burning heat

-kausis (καῦσις) = burning, cautery, smelting

-kauso (καυσόω) = heat, burn with intense heat

-kauteer (καυτήρ) = burner, cauter, the basis for the word cauterize.


KINETIC MOTION

Kio (κίω) means go, the most basic of verb concepts, literally “core divine-power brings-forth.”  Keekio (κηκίω) means gush or bubble forth (as of a fountain).

Kineetikos (κῖνητικός) means of or for putting in motion, the basis for the word kinetic.

Kino (κῖνώ) and kinasis (κίνησις) mean motion (as opposed to rest); dance; movement; change, literally “core divine-power prevailing.” 

Kineo (κῖνέω) means set in motion, move, to be put in motion, go. Kineetos (κῖνητός) means moving. 

Kineema (κῖνημα) means movement; political movement; uproar, excitement; moving things. 

Kineethmos (κῖνηθμός) means motion.


FROM THE EARTH

Ceramics

Kerameia (κερᾰμεία) means the potter’s craft, ceramics, and anything made of clay or earth, the basis for the word ceramics. Kerameous (κερᾰμεοῦς) means of clay or earth.

Keramos (κέρᾰμος) is potter’s earth or potter’s clay, literally “core essence outflow.”

The kernos (κέρνος) is an earthen dish with small pots affixed for various offerings.

Kernophoreo (κερνοφορέω) means to carry the kernos. The priest or priestess who carries the kernos is the kernophoros (κερνοφόρος).

An insight into the Mysteries may be provided by this passage from Athenaeus of Naucratis regarding the kernos:

“. . . Polemo . . .  says --‘And after this he . . . takes the sacred fleece out of its shrine, and distributes it among all those who have borne the cernus (kernos) in the procession; and this is a vessel made of earthenware, having a number of little cups glued to it; and in these little cups there is put sage, and white poppies, and ears of wheat, and grains of barley, and peas, and pulse, and rye, and lentils, and beans, and vetches, and bruised figs, and chaff, and oil, and honey, and milk, and wine, and pieces of unwashed sheep’s-wool. And he who has carried the cernus (kernos) eats of all these things . . .”

(Athenaeus of Naucratis, translated by C.D. Yonge. The Deipnosophists, Vol. II, Book XI (London: Henry G. Bohn, 1854) 762-763)  http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/Literature/Literature-idx?&entity=Literature.AthV2.p0244&id=Literature.AthV2&isize=M&pview=hide


Keraia: Horn

Ker- (κέρ-) is a prefix meaning horn, keraia (κεραία). A horn is a ceramic-like projection from the heads of some animals such as deer, oxen, moose, goats, rhinos, elephants, etc.

Horns. http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view.php?op=preview&book=12332&page=9



Profit/Wealth

The earth is the source of prosperity, wealth, minerals, and jewels.

Kerdaino (κερδαίνω) means gain, derive profit or advantage. Kerdos (κέρδος) means gain, profit. Kerma (κέρμα) means coin.



Springs and Flowers

Krana (κράνα) means a well, spring, or fountain, literally “core outflow arising.”

Krinon (κρίνον) means a white lily, literally “core outflow-of divine-power.”

Krokos (κρόκος) means crocus, an early spring flower that heralds Spring.


CRIER, HERALD

Keeruks (κῆρυξ) means crier, herald, public messenger, envoy, literally “core center outflow.”

Keerukeuma (κηρύκευμα) means proclamation, message.

In a time before radio, television, and newspapers, the herald conveyed official government proclamations and other important information.

Keerugma (κήρυγμα) means that which is cried by a herald; announcement as of victory; reward offered by proclamation.

Keerukeia (κηρυκεία) is the office of herald or crier.

A keerukeion (κηρύκειον, κηρύκιον) is a herald's wand; a signet.

Keerusso (κηρύσσω) means to be a herald, make proclamation as a herald, by voice of herald, proclaim, announce, declare, teach publicly.

In Aeschylus’ Seven against Thebes the herald says:

“‘It is my duty to announce the will and decrees of the council on behalf of the people of this our Cadmean city.’”

(Aeschylus. Seven against Thebes (1011), translated by Herbert Weir Smyth, Loeb Classical Library Volumes (Cambridge, MA: Harvard Universrity Press, 1926.)

http://www.theoi.com/Text/AeschylusSeven.html

Keraun- (κεραυν-) is a prefix meaning thunderbolt. Keraunos (κεραυνός) is a bolt of lightning accompanied by thunder. Lightning can be interpreted as a divine message.

Kroteo (κροτέω) means making one’s presence known; making a rattling noise; clapping; hammering; creating a beat.

Krouo (κρούω) means strike one thing against another; tapping; clap the hands; strike a stringed instrument; knock at the door.


PROCLAIM

Kelados (κέλᾰδος) means loud noise, din, clamor; musical sound; the loud, clear voice of an oracle.

Keleuo (κελεύω) means urge, drive on; command, order.

Klazo (κλάζω), literally “core loosened,” means to make a sound: of birds, scream; of dogs, bark; of the wind, whistle; of wheels, creak; of the sea, roar; of people, shout, scream.

Kleio (Κλειω) is Klio, the immortal Muse of fame.

Kleo (κλέω) means to make famous, celebrate. Kleos (κλέος) means news, rumor, repute, fame.

Kleinos (κλεινός) and kleitos (κλειτός) mean famous, renowned.

Kleezo (κλήζω) and kleizo (κλειζω) mean make famous; applaud; summon, call.

Kleesis (κλῆσις) means to call, invite, invoke. Kikleesko (κικλήσκω) means to call, summon, invoke, implore, or call by name.

Kleedon (κλῆδών) means omen, tidings, report, rumor.

Kluo (κλύω) means to hear.

Klutos (κλῦτός) means renowned, glorious.


BEAUTIFUL

Kaleo (κᾰλέω) means to summon, demand, require, invite, the basis for the word call; a respectful address along the lines of, “oh, beautiful one! oh, noble one!”

Kalos (καλός), kallos (κάλλος), and kallonee (καλλονή) mean beautiful.

Kalli- (καλλῐ-) is a prefix meaning beautiful, glorious, noble.  

Kalamaia (Καλαμαῖα), “Beautiful Mother,” is a festival of Demeter and Persephone at Eleusis.

Kallioulos (καλλίουλος), “Wholly Beautiful,” is a song to Demeter.

Kalligeneia (Καλλιγένεια), “Beautiful Creator,” means to offer sacrifice to Demeter.

Kalligonee (Καλλιγόνη), “Beautiful Birth-giver,” is an epithet of Demeter at Pergamon.

Kalathos (κάλᾰθος) is a basket narrow at the base especially for wool and for fruit that is carried in procession in honor of Demeter.

Kalliereo (καλλῐερέω) means to have favorable signs in a sacrifice, obtain good omens, give favorable omens.

Kalliopee (Καλλῐόπη) is the immortal Muse of eloquence, music, and song. She is the mother of Orpheus and the inspiration for musicians, singers, poets, and speakers.

Hesiod describes Kalliopee’s effect on princes she favors:

". . . Calliope, who is the chiefest of them all [the Muses], for she attends on worshipful princes: whomsoever of heaven-nourished princes the daughters of great Zeus honour, and behold him at his birth, they pour sweet dew upon his tongue, and from his lips flow gracious words.

“All the people look towards him while he settles causes with true judgements: and he, speaking surely, would soon make wise end even of a great quarrel; for therefore are there princes wise in heart, because when the people are being misguided in their assembly, they set right the matter again with ease, persuading them with gentle words.

“And when he passes through a gathering, they greet him as a [G]od with gentle reverence, and he is conspicuous amongst the assembled: such is the holy gift of the Muses . . ."

(Hesiod, “The Theogony (75-103),” The Homeric Hymns and Homerica. Theogony, translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd. 1914; Reprinted in English by Dodo Press dodopress.co.uk, 2011) 31-32.)

http://www.theoi.com/Text/HesiodTheogony.html

A muse is depicted playing the kithara/lyre, below, circa 445 BCE.

Detail of a Muse, posssibly Kalliope, seated on the rocks of Mount Helikon (named) and playing a lyre. At her foot sits a small bird, and to her left stands a second Muse.

Antikensammlungen Museum, Munich, Germany 
Catalogue Number: Munich S80
Beazley Archive Number: 213977, Attic Red Figure (White Ground)
Lekythos, Attributed to the Achilles Painter, circa 445 BCE.



KEY: CORE LOOSENED

Klako- (κλακο-) is prefix meaning key, klaks (κλάξ), literally “core loosened.”

Kleis (κλεις) means key.

Kleitoris (κλειτορίς) means clitoris, derived from the word for key (κλεις).

Kleps (κλέψ) means thief, the basis for the word kleptomaniac.

Klepsto (κλέψτω) means to steal or be thievish.


COLONIES AND CONQUESTS

The history of seafaring Greece is the story of colonization.

Kolon (κῶλον) means a body limb such as an arm or leg, the basis for the word colony, literally “core brings-forth loosened entity.”

Kleeros (κλῆρος) means to distribute land, inheritance, distribute by lots, assign by lots a piece of land, farm, or estate, literally “core loosen center.”

A kleerouchia (κληρουχία), cleruchia, is a politically-dependent Athenian colony (in contrast to a politically-independent colony) in which citizens were allotted land in exchange for military loyalty.

Cleruchia were established, according to William Smith, “to relieve surplus population, or to provide a home for those whom internal quarrels had exiled from their country.”   

(William Smith, Editor.  Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1857) 266.) https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=aCRXAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&output=reader&authuser=0&hl=en&pg=GBS.PA266

Ktisis (κτίσις) means founding or settling. Ktizo (κτίζω) means to found, build houses, literally “core stretch/extend.” Ktaomas (κτάομας) means to procure for oneself, get, or acquire.

Ktee- (κτη-) is a prefix meaning property, kteema (κτῆμα).

Kteras (κτέρας) means possession or gift.

Kteenos (κτῆνος) means livestock, such as flocks and herds.


INITIATE CHANGE/CONVERT

Although the Lexicon defines kata (κατά) as meaning downwards, and many words beginning with the prefix kata- (κατα-) are defined in the Lexicon with the connotation of going down, it should be noted that many words beginning with the prefix kata- (κατα-) do not reflect the meaning downward.

In many words, the prefix kata- (κατά-) reflects the meaning to initiate or exchange, literally “core arising stretch/extend.”

Kata (κατά) is the basis for the word catalyst (initiating agent).

Kataluo (καταλύω) is defined in the Lexicon as destroy, dissolve, break up, abolish, bring to an end, end the peace, end the war, decay of life; unloose, unyoke.

Katarksis (κάταρξις) means beginning.

Katarchee (καταρχή) means beginning; astrological forecast of an undertaking or voyage; part of sacrificial animal first offered; starting-point, basis.

Katarcho (καταρχω) means make beginning of a thing; lead the way; begin doing; begin.

Katageometreo (καταγεωμετρέω) means geometrize, turn into geometry.

Katagrapho (καταγρᾰφος) means scratch, mark, graze, engrave, draw in outline; convey, transfer by deed; convert into drawing/writing.

Katarruthmizo (καταρρυθμίζω) means bring into rhythm, parts given rhythmical form.

Katapharmakeuo (καταφαρμᾰκεύω) means dose with drugs, anoint with drugs; pharmakeuo (φαρμᾰκεύω) means pharmacy.

Kataineo (καταινέω) means agree to, promise to, betroth; neo (νέω) means new, so that  kataineo (καταινέω) means initiate something new.

Katadunasteuo (καταδῠναστεύω) means get control, oppress; dunasteuo (δῠναστεύω) means hold power, the basis for the word dynasty.

Katakoimao (κατακοιμάω) means put to bed, put to sleep.

Katakosmeo (κατακοσμέω) means to set in order, arrange.

Katalaktees (καταλλάκτης) means money-changer; reconciler, mediator.

Katalasso (καταλλάσσω) means to change or give way, to exchange one thing for another; to reconcile; to atone for.

Katalogee (καταλογή) means enrollment, enlistment. 

Katasteema (κατάστημα) means condition, state (not necessarily permanent); weather; demeanor; political condition; state of affairs; position of the stars and planets.

Interestingly, katizo (κατίζω) means place among the stars. Katismos (κατισμός) means placing among the stars. Katos (κατος) means sprinkled as with stars, literally “core arising stretch/extend.”

Katago (κατάγω) means lead into the netherworld; bring into land from the sea; turn in and lodge somewhere; spin; derive; wind up a torsion engine; return.

Katecho (κατέχω) means hold fast, hold back, withhold, control, restrain, bridle.

Katoikeo (κατοικέω) means to settle in, settle down, colonize, build over, dwell, inhabit.


GETTING TO THE CORE

Klao (κλάω) means to break off, literally “core loosened.”

Klasis (κλάσις) means to take a plant down to its core by breaking off the shoots and tendrils of vines in order to strengthen the main stem.

Kladeia (κλᾰδεία) means to prune or strip off leaves.

Klasteerion (κλαστήριον) is a knife for dressing vines.

Klastees (κλαστης) is a vine-dresser.

Pruning/dressing the cane vine. http://keswickvineyard.wordpress.com/tag/grape-vine-pruning/

Purgation is a technique for eliminating physical and spiritual impurities.

Many words pertaining to purgation begin with the prefix keno- (κεν-), literally “core essence prevailing.”

Keneaggeo (κενεαγγέω) means to have the vessels of the body empty; undergo evacuant treatment.

Kenosimos (κενώσιμος) is a purgative, something that induces vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Kenosis (κένωσις) means emptying, evacuation; of the moon, waning.

Kenoteos (κενωτέος) means needing to be purged.

Kenoma (κένωμα) means empty space, vacuum, empty vessel.

Several herbs beginning with the letter Κ are used as purgatives.

Kneoros (κνέωρος), Daphne Guidium, is spurge-flax, a highly poisonous evergreen shrub used as a purgative.

Kutisos (κύτῐσος) is Laburnum vulgare, a highly toxic “golden chain tree” with golden boughs of flowers. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can be lethal if consumed in excess. Symptoms of laburnum poisoning may include intense sleepiness, vomiting, convulsive movements, coma, slight frothing at the mouth and unequally dilated pupils.

Kytisos, Laburnum vulgare: all parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the seeds. Highly toxic. Symptoms: Nervousness, stomach and intestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; irregular pulse, convulsions, coma; may be fatal.

 http://www.cambridge2000.com/gallery/html/P5086546.html

Knakos (κνῆκος), Cathamus tinctoris, is safflower, a plant used to color cotton and silk and to anoint Egyptian mummies prior to binding. Safflower is also used as a purgative and to promote sweating, to promote menstruation, induce labor, to counter retained afterbirth and, when mixed with wine, to terminate an early pregnancy.

(Li Dajue and Hans-Henning Mundel. “Safflower” (International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI).)


PURE, PURIFY, CLEANSE

Kath- (καθ-) is a frequent base syllable in words pertaining to purifying, purging, and cleansing, literally “core arising divine.” To purge means to purify, to rid of whatever is impure or undesirable.

Kathairo (κᾰθαίρω) means purify.

Kathareios (κᾰθάρειος, καθάριος) means clean, neat, tidy, decent, respectable, irreproachable; pure, correct.

Kathariotees (καθᾰριότης) means cleanliness, neatness; scrupulousness, moral integrity; elegance, refinement; simplicity, frugality; clean or pure; purgative medicine; sifting; tree-pruner.

Katharmos (κᾰθαρμός) means cleansing, purification from guilt, atonement, expiation; purificatory rite of initiation into mysteries.

Katharos (κᾰθᾰρός) means free from guilt or defilement; clean, spotless, clear, pure; free from debt or pollution; purity.

Katharsios (κᾰθάρσιος) means cleansing from guilt or defilement; purifying, purificatory offering, expiation; cleansing; clarification, explanation; evacuation; pruning of trees, winnowing of grain; clearing of land; to be purged, purgative; the basis for the word catharsis.

Anakatharsis (άνακαθαρσις) means clearing away rubbish, cleansing; the end of an eclipse.

Anakathartikos (άνακαθαρτικός) means promoting vomiting.

Apokathairo (άποκαθαίρω) means remove by purging or clearing, purge by emetics.  

Diakathairo (διακᾰθαίρω) means purge thoroughly.  

Epikathairo (έπικᾰθαίρω) means purge yet more.  

Perikatharizo (περικᾰθᾰρίζω) means purge entirely.  

Prokathairo (προκᾰθαίρω) means purge first of defects.  

Sunekkathairo (συνεκκαθαίρω) means purge together.  

Upanakathairo (ύπανακᾰθαίρω) means purge gently; upana– (ύπανα-) means rise up gradually.

Upokathairo (ύποκᾰθαίρω) means purge downwards; upo- (ύπο-) means under.

See the Appendix for words beginning with the prefix kath- (καθ-). In almost all instances, the prefix kath- (καθ-) serves to strengthen the sense of the base word.


KAPROS: PURIFICATION BY PIG

Kapros (κάπρος) means wild boar.

It is interesting to note that the word kapros (κάπρος), wild boar, is nearly identical to the Greek word for the fruits of the earth: karpos (καρπός).

Kapraina (κάπραινα) means wild sow.

Kapron (καπρών) means pig-sty.

Kapria (καπρία) is the ovary of sows, cut out to prevent breeding.

Kapr- (καπρ-) is a prefix that means pig.

For some reason, the zodiac sign Kaprikeros (Καπρικερως), Capricorn, is depicted as a horned goat. The first half of the word, Kapri- (Καπρι-) translates as “wild pig,” and the second, -keros (-κερως), translates as “horned.” 

Capricorn is a December-January constellation. In medieval times, the “Labor of the Month” for December was “killing pigs.”  

Capricorn is a sign associated with the afterlife and the winter solstice. Its opposite sign, Cancer, Karkinos (Καρκίνος), a June-July constellation, is associated with birth and the summer solstice.

Pigs are symbols of purification and are sacred to the immortal Goddesses Demeter and her daughter, Persephone.

Images on Flickr.com of December pig slaughter, below:

Book of Hours 
Brotherton Collection MS 8
University of Leeds, December

http://www.flickr.com/photos/renzodionigi/3092664660/in/pool-743121@N25|renzodionigi

http://www.flickr.com/photos/renzodionigi/3092663512/in/pool-743121@N25|renzodionigi

Da Costa Hours, in Latin
Illuminated by Simon Bening
(1483/84–1561)
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1515
MS M.399 
Morgan Library

http://www.flickr.com/photos/renzodionigi/3088113617/in/pool-743121@N25|renzodionigi/

The Labours of the Months, Santa Maria, Mesocco, Tessin, CH

http://www.flickr.com/photos/renzodionigi/3049252121/in/pool-743121@N25|renzodionigi/

http://manuscripts.kb.nl/zoom/BYVANCKB%3Amimi_74g37a%3A099r_det_randv_1

December: a man slaughtering a pig and singeing off his bristles http://www.kb.nl/en/web-exhibitions/highlights-from-medieval-manuscripts/labours-of-the-month

http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/labours-of-the-month/page/2/

December pig hunt. Les très riches heures du Duc de Berry.  

http://webmuseum.meulie.net/wm/rh/img/december.jpg

Koi (κοΐ) means the squealing of young pigs. The priest in the mysteries of Samothrace is called the Koiees (Κοίης).

Kola (κωλῆ) means ham, the thighbone with flesh on it (esp. of swine); the portion given to the priestess at a sacrifice. Kolea (κωλέα) means a prize given in a contest.

Kreas (κρέας) means flesh, meat.

The pig is sacred to Demeter, the immortal Goddess of the earth. A pig is an animal that loves the earth, in fact, wallows in it.

Pigs were likely as important a source of sustenance in the year 1000 BCE as they were 2000 years later in the year 1000 CE, as described by Lacey and Danziger in The Year 1000:

“Once the harvest had been gathered in early medieval times, every farmer and householder had to work out the basic equation of survival through the winter . . . and the pig was the crucial factor in this calculation.

“. . . You could make use of virtually every bit of the medieval pig, which, foraging alongside and sometimes mating with its wild cousins, had a distinctly boar-like appearance . . . Its stomach lining provided tripe. Its intestines provided skin for sausages, and its blood was the main ingredient for black pudding.

“ . . . the omnivorous pig was the most versatile and least trouble of all [livestock]. ‘Pannage’ was the term for the natural, self-foraging diet with which pigs sustained themselves in the Middle Ages, and the value of medieval woodland was often expressed in terms of how many pigs that sector of forest could support.”

(Robert Lacey and Danny Danziger. The Year 1000 (Boston, New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1999) 133-134.)

Some of the ancient coins bearing the image of Demeter feature a boar (uncastrated male pig) on the reverse side.

Lucania, Paestrum; æ 15, 268-89 BCE (3.57 gm.); Sextans

Obv: Head of Demeter Right within beaded border.

Rx: Forepart of boar right; below, two pellets; PAIS above.

ex John Twente. http://tjbuggey.ancients.info/Greek.html

The ancient Greeks believed that the blood of a sacrificed pig cleanses away the guilt of transgressions. In light of the sacred status of pigs in the Mysteries of Demeter, the Jewish and Moslem prohibitions against pork may illustrate a means of distinguishing religious differences in the Mediterranean.

Aeschylus, in his play Eumenides, features Orestes as a suppliant who comes before Athena with reassurances that he has been properly purified with the blood of a suckling pig:

“Athena: ‘What do you wish to say, stranger, in your turn in answer to these charges? . . .

“Orestes: ‘Queen Athena . . . I am not a guilty suppliant: nor did I take my seat at your statue with pollution on my head. And I will mention to you a great proof of this. It is the custom that the murderer should not speak or be spoken to, until . . . the spurted blood of a slain sucking-pig shall have sprinkled him. Long ago have we had these cleansing rites performed on us . . . ”

 (Aeschylus. Eumenides 426-457, translated by F.A. Paley (Cambridge: Deighton, Bell, and Co., 1871) 230-231.)

http://books.google.com/books?id=pA0KAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA231&lpg=PA231&dq=aeschylus+pig&source=bl&ots=D2y8uff6W6&sig=1yBFJ0yHbskMZa2blTn2xdHgbro&hl=en&ei=O6KpTp_BLsru0gGc-OmpDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CB8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

The vase painting, below, depicts Orestes sitting in front of the omphalos stone at Delphi. He still holds the sword he used to kill Clytemnestra. Apollo purifies him of the blood-guilt (miasma) by dousing Orestes with the blood of a pig. The Furies (avenging spirits) lie sleeping at the left--at the far left you can just see Clytemnestra's ghost trying to wake the Furies and rouse them to action. 

Eumenides bell krater, South Italian, c. 375 BCE (Louvre, Paris) http://faculty.gvsu.edu/websterm/Libation.htm

A piglet was part of the initiation rights of the Eleusinian Mysteries.

“Pigs were sacrificed by the mystae before their initiation, and figures of swine are found in Demeter's sanctuaries at Eleusis, at Cnidus, and elsewhere.”

(Martin P. Nilsson. “The Religion of Eleusis,” Greek Popular Religion (New York: Columbia University Press, 1940.) http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/gpr/gpr07.htm#page_42

“On the second day (of the Eleusinian Mysteries), Boedromion 16, the heralds ordered all participants to cleanse themselves in the sea. The shout, ‘To the sea!’ filled the city. Initiates carried a small pig, which was also washed in the sea.”

(George E. Mylonas. Eleusis and the Eleusinian Mysteries (New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1961) 249.)

In Aristophanes' The Peace, a character requests the opportunity to be purified with a pig before he dies:

“Trygaeus: ‘Then it’s absolutely necessary that I die now?’

“Hermes: ‘That’s right.’

“Trygaeus: ‘Then lend me three drachmas for a piglet; I’ve got to get initiated before I die.’”

(Aristophanes. “Peace (372-374),” Aristophanes: Clouds. Wasps. Peace, translated by Jeffrey Henderson, Loeb Classical Library (Harvard College, 1998) 477.) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0674995376/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

The Eleusinian Mysteries were open to all who wished to be initiated. The required sacrifice of a piglet made participation easily accessible.  In Plato’s Republic, Socrates proposed limiting access to mysteries regarding Kronos by requiring the sacrifice of a bigger, less accessible animal:

“Socrates: ‘. . . it should be done as part of a secret ritual in which they sacrifice not a common pig, but a huge victim that is hard to get so that the number of listeners will be as small as possible.”

(Plato. Plato’s Republic, translated by Benjamin Jowett (Millis, MA: Agora Publications, 2001) 70-71.)

http://books.google.com/books?id=Ccr8skxseKQC&pg=PA71&lpg=PA71&dq=Plato’s+Republic+they+should+sacrifice+not+a+common&source=bl&ots=k-5aqgG4c4&sig=u78k_U73BpZYPu2iEeJs6W9Eo94&hl=en&sa=X&ei=7AgMUajnJ-670QGzjIDoCg&ved=0CE0Q6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Plato’s%20Republic%20they%20should%20sacrifice%20not%20a%20common&f=false

Ovid in Fasti says that  a pig obscured Persephone’s footprints, inhibiting Demeter’s search for her daughter.

“. . . she (Demeter) lit on prints of the girlish feet and marked the traces of the familiar figure on the ground. Perhaps that day had been the last of her wanderings if swine had not foiled the trail she found.”

(Ovid. Fasti 4. 455, translated by James G. Frazer, Loeb Classical Library (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann, 1931.) http://www.theoi.com/Text/OvidFasti1.html

Roast Suckling Pig Recipe

Ingredients

1 suckling pig, 10-12 pounds

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

Salt and pepper

2 lemons, halved

Directions

Carefully clean a small suckling pig, wash inside and out with cold water, and dry thoroughly.

Rub inside and out with salt and pepper and cut lemons, saving 1 of the lemon halves.

Allow to stand for about 1 hour.

Pull front legs of the piglet forward and tie together.

Wedge the mouth open with a small piece of wood or an apple.

Rub entire pig generously with olive oil and lemon juice, mixed.

Place pig on a rack in roasting pan and roast in a 425 to 450 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Reduce temperature to 325 degrees and continue roasting for about 4 to 5 hours.

Baste often, using a lemon half dipped in pan drippings as baster.

http://www.theworldwidegourmet.com/countries/flavors-of-greece/


KANTHAROS

Kantharos (κάνθᾰρος) is the dung-beetle or scarab, Scarabaeus pilularius, historically believed to be born of the earth, literally “core arising prevailing divine arising outflow.”

“The sacred beetle was an image of self-creation since the Egyptians believed that the beetle came into being of itself from a ball of dung, which in reality only serves to protect the eggs and larva. Thus the anthracite-coloured dung beetle was worshipped under the name Khepir, i. e. ‘he who came forth from the earth’ . . . [The beetle] was placed with the deceased in the tomb as a symbol of new life.”

(Manfred Lurker. An Illustrated Dictionary of The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Egypt (Scherz Verlag-Munchen-Wien fur Otto Wilhelm Barth Verlag, 1974); English-language edition revised, enlarged and picture-edited by Peter A. Clayton (London and New York: Thames & Hudson, 1980) 105.)

Scarab pendant from Egypt, circa 1890 BCE, British Museum. http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/aes/s/scarab_pendant.aspx

Dung beetles rolling a ball of dung. http://inglisinafrica.blogspot.com/2010/01/scorpionsdung-beetles-and-tortoises.html


KA

Ka is the Egyptian word for the individual soul of people, plants, and animals.

“‘To go to one’s ka’ meant ‘to die’, since the ka then left its mortal house and returned to its divine origin.”

(Manfred Lurker. An Illustrated Dictionary of The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Egypt (Scherz Verlag-Munchen-Wien fur Otto Wilhelm Barth Verlag, 1974); English-language edition revised, enlarged and picture-edited by Peter A. Clayton (London and New York: Thames & Hudson, 1980) 73.)

The Egyptian concept of ka is very similar to the Chinese concept of ki.

“In Oriental medicine and philosophy, a healthy life consists of ki energy. This ki-energy comes from two aspects—one is physical life and the other is spiritual and psychological life power. From birth to death, we are governed by this ki . . . The duration of life—from birth to death—is the duration of ki. When our ki fades out either physiologically or spiritually, our life returns to eternity.”

(Ohashi. “Ohashiatsu Touch,” The Big Book of Relaxation, edited by Larry Blumenfield (Roslyn, NY: The Relaxation Company, 1994) 125.)

Claudio Barocas in Monuments of Civilization: Egypt asserts that the ka is associated with the earth:

“We have compared the ka to the soul, but the first thing that differentiates the concept of the ka from our (sic) religious concepts is that the former was tied to the earth first and foremost.”

(Claudio Barocas. Monuments of Civilization: Egypt (New York: Madison Square Press, Grosset & Dunlap, 1972) 91.)

DEATH

Kar (Κᾶρ), also Kares (Κᾶρες) is the immortal Goddess of death.

Karoo (κᾰρόω) means to plunge into a deep sleep or torpor. Karos (κάρος) means heavy sleep, torpor.

Kaino (καίνω) means kill, slay. Interestingly, kainos (καινός) means new, fresh, novel, newly invented.

Kainosis (καίνωσις) means renewal, literally “core arising divine-power prevailing.”

Keimai (κεῖμαι) means to be laid, lie outstretched, lie down to rest, lie sick or wounded, or to lie buried.

Keedeos (κήδεος) is the job of burying the dead. Keedos (κῆδος) means care about or caring for.

Keer (Κήρ) and Keeros (Κηρός) are names for the immortal Goddess of death. Note that keer (κῆρ) means heart.

Keer- (κηρ-) is a prefix meaning wax, honeycomb. A keerion (κηρίον) is a honeycomb. Honeycombs serve as containers for bees’ offspring, pollen, and honey.

Keeros (κηρός) means bees-wax, sealing wax; white-wax used in medicines; wax tapers. Bees-wax is used for writing, painting, candles, torches, ointments, molding/making models, and sealing/providing a coating.

Kterea (κτέρεα) means funeral gifts, funeral honors.


KERBEROS

Kerberos (Κέρβερος) is Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guards the gate of the afterlife.

Apuleius describes Kerberos in Metamorphoses:

 "When you [Psyche on her journey to the underworld] have crossed the river [Acheron] and have advanced a little further, some aged women weaving at the loom will beg you to lend a hand for a short time. But you are not permitted to touch that either, for all these and many other distractions are part of the ambush which Venus [Aphrodite] will set to induce you to release one of the cakes from your hands. Do not imagine that the loss of a mere barley cake is a trivial matter, for if you relinquish either of them, the daylight of this world above will be totally denied you. Posted there is a massive hound with a huge, triple-formed head. This monstrous, fearsome brute confronts the dead with thunderous barking, though his menaces are futile since he can do them no harm. He keeps constant guard before the very threshold and the dark hall of Proserpina [Persephone], protecting that deserted abode of Dis [Pluto]. You must disarm him by offering him a cake as his spoils. Then you can easily pass him, and gain immediate access to Proserpina [Persephone] herself. She will welcome you in genial and kindly fashion, and she will try to induce you to sit on a cushioned seat beside her and enjoy a rich repast. But you must settle on the ground, ask for coarse bread, and eat it. When you have obtained what she gives you, you must make your way back, using the remaining cake to neutralize the dog’s savagery."

(Apuleius (circa 155 CE), Metamorphoses (renamed The Golden Ass after the author’s death), translated by P.G. Walsh, Book 6. 19 ff (New York: Oxford University Press, 1994) 110).

http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-golden-ass-by-p-g-walsh.jsp


SECRET

Keutho (κεύθω) means contained, concealed, hidden, literally “core essence pure.”

Krubda (κρύβδᾰ) and krupha (κρύφᾰ) mean secretly, literally “core outflow pure.”  

Krupsis (κρύψις) means hiding or concealment.

Kruptos (κρυπτός) means hidden.


COMING TOGETHER

Koinos (κοινός) means common, shared in common; community; guilds, associations, corporations; the state, government; public affairs.

Koitee (κοίτη) means bed, especially the marriage-bed; lair of a wild beast; nest of a bird; quarters; pen, fold for cattle, the basis for the word coitus. 


CORINTH, CRETE

Key locations in Greece beginning with the letter Κ include Korinthos (Κόρινθος), Corinth, and Kreetee (Κρήτη), Crete.

Korinthos (Κόρινθος) was an extremely wealthy and powerful Greek city, on a par with Grecian Thebes.

Kreetee (Κρήτη), Crete, is a large, mountainous Greek island with sacred caves believed to be the birthplace of many Gods and Goddesses.

“Indeed, the majority of the [G]ods [and Goddesses], the Cretans say, had their beginning in Crete and set out from there to visit many regions of the inhabited world, conferring benefactions upon the races of men (sic) and distributing among each of them the advantage which resulted from the discoveries they had made.

“Demeter, for example, crossed over into Attica and then removed from there to Sicily and afterwards to Egypt; and in these lands her choicest gift was that of the fruit of the corn and instructions in the sowing of it, whereupon she received great honours at the hands of those whom she had benefited.”

(Diodorus Siculus (of Sicily). Library of History 5. 77: 3-7, translated by C. H. Oldfather, Loeb Classical Library (Cambridge, MA and London, England: Harvard University Press, 1939) 309.)


KADMOS’ ALPHABET

Kadmeia (Καδμεία) is the citadel of Grecian Thebes.

Dictys of Knossos, in The Trojan War, credits Kadmos (Κάδμος) with bringing the alphabet to Greece from Phoenicia. He also comments on the many languages that are spoken not just on the island of Crete, but throughout the Greek world. That the current Greek alphabet and language of Kadmos survived intact from among all alphabets and languages in use at the time is a testament to its utility.

“I, Dictys of Cnossos, the companion of Idomeneus, have written this account in the language (how many there are!) I best understand, using the Phoenician alphabet bequeathed to us by Cadmus and Danaus. No one should marvel that many different languages are spoken on this one island of mine, for such is the case all over Greece.”

(Dictys of Crete. The Trojan War: The Chronicles of Dictys of Crete and Dares the Phrygian, translated by R. M. Frazer, Jr. (Indiana: Indiana University Press, 1966.

Note: The Frazer volume is no longer available in print. It is currently the only English translation available of Dictys. http://www.theoi.com/Text/DictysCretensis5.html ) 

Herodotus (5.58) confirms the account that Kadmos brought the Phoenician alphabet to Greece.

When Kadmos came to a spring near Thebes to fetch water for the founding of the city of Thebes, he killed the deadly serpent who guarded it, as described by Nonnos:

“[348] Then the oracular hoof of the cow gave way, and she sank to the ground foretelling the city to be. Now that the divine utterance of the Pythian cave was fulfilled, Cadmos brought the   sacred cow beside an altar smoking with incense, and sought for a rill of spring water, that he might cleanse his ministering hands and pour the pure water over the sacrifice . . .

“[356] He . . . stood amazed when he saw the speckle-back serpent, Ares’ child, appear from one side and girdle the spring with snaky coil. The serpent scared away the great company who followed Cadmos, biting one under the chest with his flashing jaws, rending another with a stroke of bloody tooth, tearing another’s lifesaving liver when he showed fight and laying him dead . . .

“[406] . . . Cadmos where he stood on the dry earth lifted a well-rounded boundary-stone of the broad farm-land, a rocky missile! and with a straight cast of the stone smashed the top of the dragon’s head; then drawing a whetted knife from his thigh he cut through the monster’s neck.”

(Nonnos. Diomysiaca 4. 348-420, translated by W. H. D. Rouse, Loeb Classical Library (Cambridge, MA and London: Harvard University Press, 1940) 159-165.)

http://www.theoi.com/Text/NonnusDionysiaca4.html

Kadmos with a water-pitcher (hydria) in hand confronts the Dragon of the Ismenian spring near Thebes. The hero is accompanied by his wife Harmonia. Musée du Louvre, Paris, France 
Catalogue Number: Louvre N3157, Paestan Red Figure Calyx krater, Attributed to Python, circa 360 - 340 BCE. http://www.theoi.com/Gallery/M28.1.html


DOG?

Kuon (κύων) means dog. The prefix kun- (κῠν-) means dog.

Kunastros (κῠναστρος) means Syrius/the dog (κῠν)–star (αστρος), the most important star to the Egyptians because its appearance marked the rising of the Nile.

Interestingly, several words beginning with the prefix kun- (κῠν-) have no relation to dogs. The prefix may have been used to reflect cultural disdain.

Kunosoura (Κῠνόσουρα) is Ursa Minor/the Little Dipper, an important navigational constellation to sailors.

Kunolugmate (κῠνολύγματε) is an epithet of the Moon.

Kunomorphos (κῠνόμορφος) is saffron, made from crocus, used as an incense and yellow dye.

Kunomorion (κῠνομόριον) is the fruit of the pomegranate.

Kunara (κῠνάρα) is the artichoke, Cynara Scolymus.

Kunokoron (κῠνοκορον) means like a satyr.

Kunthos (Κύνθος) is a mountain in Delos, the birth-place of the immortal twin deities Artemis and Apollo.


EVIL

Interestingly, the prefixes kak- (κακ-) and kach- (καχ-), literally “core arising (to) core,” and “core arising (to) foundation,” mean bad, evil, miserable.

Kachrus (κάχρῠς) means “parched barley, winter bud,” suggesting that the prefix kach- (καχ-) pertains to instances when the core does not arise, but remains stunted within itself. The prefix kak- (κακ-) invites similar interpretation.


COVERING

Kalpis (κᾰλπις) means pitcher; box; urn.

Kaltios (κᾰλτιος) means shoe. Kalika (κάλικα) means caliga, boot.

Kalubee (κᾰλῠβη) means cottage, hut, cabin, tent; barn, granary; shrine or grotto containing the image of a God or Goddess.

Kalumma (κάλυμμα) means head-covering, hood, veil; skull (as the brain’s covering); eyelid; shutter.

A kalux (κάλυξ) is a covering, seed-vessel, husk, shell, pod; the calyx of a flower.

Kella (κέλλα) means cellar or storage chamber, the basis for the word cellar.

Keluphos (κέλῦφος) means sheath, case; pod, shell; membrane.

Keelee (κήλη) means tumor, hernia, hump.


OTHER

Kapnos (καπνός) means smoke, literally “core arising unified prevailing.” Kapnoteerion (καπνωτήριον) means altar.

Karphos (κάρφος) is any small dry body, especially dry stalk as the dry sticks of cinnamon, dry twigs, straw; bits of wood.

Karpho (κάρφω) means to dry up or wither.

Keazo (κεάζω) means to split, cleave.

Kear (κέᾰρ) means carpenter’s axe.

Kedros (κέδρος) means cedar-tree; kedroo (κεδρόω) means to embalm with the oil of cedar.

Keiro (κείρω) means cut, shear, clip, crop, cut down.

Kestra (κέστρα) means hammer.

Keensos (κῆνσος) means the counting of citizenry, the census.

Keeodees (κηώδης) means smelling of incense, fragrant.

Kithara (κῐθάρα) means lyre.

Muse with kithara (κῐθάρα). Musée du Louvre, Paris, France, Louvre K570, Paestan Red Figure, Attributed to Asteas, circa 360 - 340 BCE. http://www.theoi.com/Gallery/K20.1A.html

Kion- (κῑον-) is a prefix meaning pillar.

Kissos (κισσός) is ivy, Hedera Helix, sacred to the immortal God of wine, Dionysos.

Klima (κλίμα) means an incline or slope of ground, the basis for the word climb.

Klonos (κλόνος) mean confused motion, turmoil, or agitation.

Kludon (κλύδων) means wave, billow, surf, or rough water.

Kneephee (κνήφη) means itch; knizo (κνίζω) means scratch; knuo (κνῦω) means scratching.

Koluo (κολούω) means cut short, dock, curtail.

Kolossos (κολοσσός) means colossus, gigantic, enormous.

Kolaks (κόλαξ) means one who flatters or fawns over someone; parasite.

Kollao (κολλάω ) means glue, cement; weld; join fast together.

Komee (κόμη) means hair of the head.

Kommoo (κομμόω) means beautify, embellish.

Kondu (κόνδῠ) means drinking vessel, the basis for the word conduit.

Koniama (κονίᾶμα) means stucco, plaster. Konis (κόνις) means dust, powder.

Kopee (κοπή) means cutting, breaking up, slaughtering, cutting in pieces. Kopis (κοπίς) means chopper or cleaver. Kopto (κόπτω) means to cut, smite, or slaughter. Koptos (κοπτός) means chopped small or pounded. Kopros (κόπρος) means excrement, manure, dung.

Kopos (κόπος) means striking, beating; toil and trouble, suffering.

Koriannon (κορίαννον) is coriander, Coriandum sativum.

Koronee (κορώνη) means crow, a bird that feeds on carrion. Similarly, a raven is koraks (κόραξ). A hawk or falcon is kirkos (κίρκος).

Koruza (κόρυζα) means mucous discharge from the nostrils.

Koteo (κοτέω) means to bear a grudge, be angry at, wrathful, or jealous. Kotos (κότος) means grudge, rancor, or ill will.

Kouphos (κοῦφος) means to be light, nimble, unsubstantial, or airy.

Kophos (κόφος) means basket-load.

Kraipalao (κραιπᾰλάω) means to be intoxicated, drunkenness.

Krateer (κρᾱτᾕρ) means a mixing vessel in which wine was mixed with water, also, a bowl of wine.

Krateeria (κρᾱτηρία) is a bowl for compounding drugs. Krasis (κρᾶσις) means mixing, blending, tempering. Krama (κρᾶμα) means mixture.

Krueros (κρῠερός) means icy, cold, chilling. Krumos (κρῠμός) means icy cold, frost.

Kuaneo (κυᾰνέω) means to be dark in color.

Kudos (κῦδος) means glory, renown. Kudos (κύδος), with a slightly different accent, means reproach, abuse.

Kumbalon (κύμβᾰλον) means cymbal.

Kuminon (κύμῑνον) is cumin, a popular spice native to the Mediterranean.

Kuparissos (κῠπᾰρισσος) means cypress tree. The wood of the cypress evergreen tree is extremely resistant to decay and was used to make boats and coffins. The Cupressus sempervirens, Mediterranean Cypress, is very long-lived, with some trees reported to be over 1,000 years old.

Cypress trees at the ancient Minoan city of Knossos on the Greek Island of Crete.

http://cruises.about.com/library/pictures/hebridean/blgreece80.htm

Kupellon (κύπελλον) means cup, goblet, drinking vessel, the basis for the word cup.

Kureo (κῠρέω) means attain, meet with, hit the mark.

Kustis (κύστις) means bag.

Kutos (κύτος) means hollow container.

Kuphi (κύφι) (frequently written κοιφὶ) is an Egyptian compound incense described by Plutarch in Isis and Osiris:

“Every day they make a triple offering of incense to the Sun, an offering of resin at sunrise, of myrrh at midday, and of the so‑called cyphi at sunset . . .

80 Cyphi is a compound composed of sixteen ingredients: honey, wine, raisins, cyperus, resin, myrrh, aspalathus, seselis, mastich, bitumen, rush, sorrel, and in addition to these both the junipers, of which they call one the larger and one the smaller, cardamum, and calamus. These are compounded, not at random, but while the sacred writings are being read to the perfumers as they mix the ingredients. As for this number, even if it appears quite clear that it is the square of a square and is the only one of the numbers forming a square that has its perimeter equal to its area,399 and deserves to be admired for this reason, yet it must be said that its contribution to the topic under discussion is very slight. Most of the materials that are taken into this compound, inasmuch as they have aromatic properties, give forth a sweet emanation and a beneficent exhalation, by which the air is changed, and the body, being moved gently and softly400 by the current, acquires a temperament conducive to sleep; and the distress and strain of our daily carking cares, as if they were knots, these exhalations relax and loosen without the aid of wine . . .”

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Moralia/Isis_and_Osiris*/E.html

Kupselee (κυψέλη) means hollow vessel, such as a bladder or bag.

Koma (κῶμα) means coma. Interestingly, komos (κῶμος) means revel, carousel, merry-making. The word komodeo (κωμωδέω), comedy, shares the same base.

Koneion (κωνειον) (Conium maculation) is the poison hemlock, which induces a gradual, deadly state of coma, by which prisoners were put to death at Athens.

Kos (κῶς) and karkaron (κάρκᾰρον) mean prison.

Red-figure kantharos, National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

 
APPENDIX

Below are words beginning with the prefix kath- (καθ-). In almost all instances, the prefix kath- (καθ-) serves to strengthens the sense of the base word.

kathagiazo (καθᾰγιαζω) - devote, dedicate, make offerings to the dead; generally, burn a dead body, funeral rites; purify, hallow, offer as an expiatory sacrifice

agiazo (ᾰγιαζω) = hallow, make sacred especially by burning a sacrifice

kathagismos (καθᾰγισμός) - funeral rites

agismos (ᾰγισμός) = offering to the deceased

kathaimaktos (καθαιμακτός) - bloodstained, stain with blood, bloody

aima (αιμα) = blood; kto- (κτό) =  slay

kathairesis (καθαίρεσις) - pulling down, demolition, overthrow, subjugation, reduction, diminution, bringing down superfluous flesh, lowering, reducing; eclipse of a sun or moon

airesis (αίρεσις) = take (a town), acquire, seize

kathaireo (καθαίρέω) - take down, put down, close the eyes of the dead, put down by force, destroy, overpower, seize;

aireo (αίρέω) = take, grasp, seize

kathairo (κᾰθαίρω) - purify, refine; purge, clear a land of monsters and robbers; in religious sense, purify; purge, evacuate; prune (a tree)

airo (αίρω) = ὰείρω=lift, raise up; take up, take up and bear, lift and take away

kathalos (κάθάλος) - full of salt, over-salted

alos (άλος) = salt

kathamakseuo (καθᾰμαξεύω) - hackneyed, stale, trite

makseuo (μαξεύω) = max

kathamma (κάθαμμα) - knot, knotty point

amma (αμμα) = knot

kathammizo (καθαμμίζω) - cover with sand

ammos (αμμος) = sand

kathapan (καθάπαν) - on the whole

apan (άπαν) = finish entirely

kathapaks (καθάπαξ) - once for all, out-and-out, absolutely; singly, each time

apaks (άπαξ) = once

kathaplo (καθαπλόω) - spread out

aplo (απλόω) = make single, unfold, spread out

kathaptas (καθαπτής) - a kind of vase

aptan (απτήν) = unwinged

kathaptos (καθαπτός) - bound with, equipped with; cymbal or drum

aptos (απτός) = fasten, bind to; tangible, touch

kathapto (καθάπτω) - fasten or fix on, attach, fasten upon

apto (άπτω) = fasten

katharma (κάθαρμα) - that which is thrown away in cleansing; refuse of a sacrifice; purification; within the purified ground where the assembly was held

arma (αρμα) = that which one takes, such as food; burden, load; union, love; chariot; ship

katharologeo (κᾰθᾰρολογέω) - to be precise or accurate in language; sift, winnow; clear property from debris

aros (ἅρος) = use, profit, help, fit, arable, fit for engendering

logeo (λογέω) = language

katharpaga (καθαρπᾰγή) - direptio (plundering); snatch down; seize, appropriate

arpazo (άρπάζω) = snatch away, carry off

kathauaino (καθαυαίνω=καταυαίνω) - wither up

auaino (αυαίνω) = dry, wither, waste away, pine away, parched

kathapsis (κάθαψις) - good reaction provided by friction after the bath

apsis (αψις) = loop, mesh such as forms a net

kathedra (καθέδρα) - cathedra, seat, sitting part, posteriors; chair, throne, basis for the word cathedral

edra (έδρα) = seat, chair, stool

katheirgo (καθείργω) - shut in, confine

eirgo (είργω) = imprison

katheis (καθεῖς) - one by one, one after another

eis (εῖς) = into, upon, on, toward

kathek (καθεκ-) - prefix meaning keep back, restrain, check

ek (εκ) = out of, forth from

kathelko (καθέλκω) - of ships, draw to the sea, launch; draw down, depress the scale, metaphor “outweigh;” in building, carry down; constrain, compel;

elko (έλκω) = draw up, drag on, drag to, attract

kathelisso (καθελίσσω) - wrap round with bandages; of a serpent, drag down its coils;

elisso (ελίσσω) = turn round or about, dance round, run round, roll or wind round, revolve, turn to face (the foe), whirl

kathelkomai (καθελκόομαι) - break out into ulcers, covered with wounds

elkos (ελκός) = wound, festering, wound, sore, ulcer

kathelkusmos (καθελκυσμός) - launching; collapse

elkusmos (ελκυσιμός) = that may be dragged down, dragged, attraction, draw, drag

kathelko (καθέλκω) - draw to the sea, launch; draw down, depress the scale; carry down; constrain, compel

elko (έλκω) = drag away, draw along, draw, drag, pull, tow, compel, to be drawn, attract, wrenched

kathema (κάθεμα) - necklace, collar

ema (εμα) = oneself, of me, of oneself

kathennumi (καθέννῡμι) - clothe

ennumi (έννῡμι) = put clothes on, clothe

katheksis (κάθεξις) - holding, retention, possession

eksis (εξις) = having possession of

katherpo (καθέρπω) - creep, steal down; return from exile

erpo (έρπω) = move slowly, walk, come, go

kathesimon (καθέσιμον) - fee for attendance at the βουλή (counsel, Council, Senate)

esis (εσις) = sending forth

mon (μον) = one

kathesis (κάθεσις) - letting down, insertion, descent

esis (εσις) = sending forth

kathesteekotos (καθεστηκότως) - fixedly, steadily

estakotos (εστηκότως) = firmly

katheteer (καθετήρ) - catheter, anything let down into, inserted; surgical instrument for emptying the bladder; fishing-line; plumb-line

etee (έτη) = origin, source; basis for the word etymology

Eteephila (Έτηφίλα) = title of Persephone; in plural, Demeter and Persephone

Eteephilios (Έτηφίλιος) = epithet of Roman Emperor Hadrian (76-138 CE) as a devotee of Persephone; Hadrian re-built the Pantheon in Rome.

katheudo (καθεύδω) - lie down to sleep, sleep

eudo (εύδω) = sleep

katheurema (καθεύρεμα) - invention

eurema (εύρεμα) = invention, discovery of a thing

katheuresilos (καθευρεσῐλος) - invent reasons

euresis (ευρεσῐς) = a finding, discovery (eureka!)

katheurisko (καθευρίσκω) - discover

eurisko (ευρίσκω) = find, discover

katheptheos (καθεφθέος) - boiled down

ephtheos (εφθέος) = to be boiled

kathepso (καθέψω) - boil down; dried up by the sun

epso (έψω) = boil, seethe

kathee (κάθη) = Attic for katheesai (κάθησαι) - 2nd pers. of katheemai (κάθημαι) - to be seated, sit, sit still

eemai (ημαι) = to be seated, sit, encamp

katheeg- (καθηγ-), kateeg- (κατηγ-) - act as guide, lead the way, lead, command, exercise authority over; to be the first to do, establish, institute; to be antecedent; teacher, professor;

eeg (ηγ) = guide

katheegeesis (καθηγησις) - rule, principle; teacher, professor

eegeesis (ηγησις) = command

katheeduno (καθηδύνω) - sweeten, gratify

eedun (ηδύν) = season, seasoning, make pleasant, ηδύ=sweet, pleasant

katheedupatheo (καθηδῡπᾰθέω) - squander in luxury or reveling

eedupatheia (ηδῡπᾰθεια) = pleasant living, luxury, enjoyment

katheeko (καθήκω) - come or go down

eeko (ήκω) = to have come, be present, to have returned

katheeliazo (καθηλιάζω) - bring the sun upon, illuminate

eeliazo (ηλιάζω) = bake in the sun, bask in the sun (ηλιά=the sun, Helios)

katheeliks (καθῆλιξ) - contemporary

eeliks (ῆλιξ) = of the same age, fellow, comrade

katheelo (καθηλόω) - nail on

eelos (ηλος) = nailhead, stud, nail

katheemereia (καθημερεία) - daily business

eemera (ημερα) = day

katheemero (καθημερόω) - soften, tranquillize

eeemero (ημερόω) = tame, make tame, be pacified, cultivate plants, civilize people

kathidros (κάθιδρος) - sweating violently

idro (ιδροω) – sweat

kathidruma (καθίδρῡμα) - foundation festival, establish

idruma (ίδρῡμα) = establishment, foundation

kathiereusis (καθιέρευσις) - consecration, deification

iereusis (ιέρευσις) = priest, sacrificer, diviner, minister

kathiero (καθιέρόω) - dedicate, devote

iero (ιέρόω) = consecrate, dedicate, offering

kathizo (καθίζω) - make to sit down, seat, set, place, post (watchers, guards), set up, cause an assembly to take their seats; appoint a judge, constitute, establish

izo (ίζω) = make to sit, seat, place

kathieemi (καθίημι) - let fall, drop, send down, lower down

ieemi (ίημι) = release, let go, make flow, throw, hurl, send

kathikneomai (καθικνέομαι) - come down to, hast touched, come down upon, attack, affect, take effect, reach or touch, attain one’s purpose; that which comes to one (share of an inheritance)

ikneomai (ικνέομαι) = come, reach, attain to; approach as a suppliant; supplicate, beseech; befits, pertains, fitting, proper

kathimao (καθῑμάω) - let down by a rope

imao (ῑμάω) = draw up especially water from a well, to be tapped of, yield

kathinnumai (καθίννυμαι) - take a hip-bath

in (ίν) = in that place, there;  num (νυμ) = spring, water source

kathiksis (κάθιξις) - arrival

iksis (ιξις) = coming, passage through, direction, straight line, vertical line, corresponding to

kathippeuo (καθιππεύω) - conquer by means of a horse, ride down, trample underfoot

ipp- (ιππ-) = prefix meaning horse    eu- (εύ-) = prefix meaning good

kathisma (κάθισμα) - buttocks, part on which one sits; seat; sinking, settling down of a wall

isma (ισμα) = foundation, seat

kathodeegeo (καθοδηγέω) - guide

odeegeo (οδηγέω) = lead, guide

kathodos (κάθοδος) - descent, especially of Persephone as represented in the mysteries; procession; coming back, return; cycle, recurrence

odos (οδος) = way, road, travel

katholikos (καθολικός) - general, generic description, universal

olikos (ολικός) = universal, general, absolute

katholou (καθόλου) - on the whole, in general, generally; in Roman times, accounts kept by the central government

ol (όλ) = all

kathomileo (καθομῑλέω) - conciliate by daily intercourse, win the favor of; to be used in daily intercourse, to be current; has become a proverb

omileo (ομῑλέω) = be in company with, consort with, joining in company, hold converse with, busy oneself with, enter, visit, intercourse, deal with

kathomoio (καθομοιόω) - assimilate

omoio (ομοιόω) = make like, become like

kathomologeo (καθομολογέω) - confess, allow, consent, promise, vow, betroth, engage, agree

omologeo (ομολογέω) = agree with, say the same thing as, agree, promise

kathoplizo (καθοπλιζω) - equip, arm fully; array, set in order; armor

oplizo (οπλιζω) = make or get ready, to be prepared, harness, equip, furnish

kathor- (καθορ-) - prefix meaning to have within view, see distinctly, perceive

or (ορ) = to see

kathorizo (καθορίζω) - determine, bound, define, lay claim to

orizo (ορίζω) = divide or separate from as a border or boundary, separate, bound, delimit

kathormizo (καθορμίζω) - bring a ship into harbor, bring to anchor, bringing to land

ormizo (ορμίζω) = bring to a safe anchorage, bring into harbor, moor, anchor

kathosios (καθόσιος) - dedicate, devoted, betroth, fidelity

osia (οσία) = divine law, law, offering, funeral rites, sanctioned by divine law, hallowed, holy, not profane

kathosio (καθόσιόω) - dedicate; betroth; devotion, fidelity

osio (όσιόω) = make oneself pure, be purified

kathoti (καθότι) - so far as, inasmuch as

oti (ότι) = for what, wherefore, why, because

kathubrizo (καθυβρίζω) - treat despitefully, insult, mock

ubrizo (υβρίζω) = run riot in the use of superior strength or power or in sensual indulgence; of plants run riot, grow rank and luxuriant

kathugraino (καθυγραίνω) - moisten well, be relaxed, liquefy, very wet, flowing, connect with water or the sea

ugra (υγρα) = become moist, be wet or moist, collect in pools, liquefied

kathudros (κάθυδρος) - very watery, full of water

udros (υδρος) = water

kathulizo (καθῡλίζω) - strain, filter, clarify

ulizo (ῡλίζω) = filter, strain

kathumneo (καθυμνέω) - sing of much or constantly, make a hymn of

umneo (υμνέω) = sing of, celebrate in a hymn, commemorate; tell over and over again

kathuomai (καθύομαι) - to be rained upon     

uo (ύω) = rain on       mai (μαι) = mother

kathupakouo (καθυπᾰκούω) - consent

upakouos (υπᾰκουός) = obedient to, one must accept; hearken, give ear, listen to, heed, regard, submit, comply, conform, understand

kathuperakontizo (καθυπερᾰκοντίζω) - overshoot completely

uperakontizo (υπερᾰκοντίζω) = overshoot, outdo

kathuperthe (καθύπερθε) - from above, down from above, atop, above

uperthe (ύπερθε) = above

kathupertereo (καθυπερτερέω) - of planetary influences, prevail, prevail over, prevalent; having the upper hand; superior, highest

upertereo (υπερτερέω) = surpass, preeminence

kathuperecho (καθυπερέχω) - to be much superior; treat with disdain

uperecho (υπερέχω) = hold over, to be above, rise above, exceed

kathupertithemai (καθυπερτίθεμαι) - communicate

upertitheemi (υπερτίθημι) = set higher, erect, set on the other side, outlast, outlive, delay, carry over, transpose, shoot over, communicate

kathupeereteomai (καθυπηρετέομαι) - assist, keeping up with

upeereteia (υπηρετέια) = do service (onboard a ship), be a servant, minister to, serve, military service;  μαι=mother

kathupobaino (καθυποβαίνω) - occupy a lower place than, subject, place underneath

upobaino (υποβαίνω) = stand under, subordinate, go under or down

kathuponoeo (καθυπονοέω) - suspect, harbor suspicions; from a vague conception of, suppose

uponoeo (υπονοέω) = suspect, suspicious

kathupnees (καθυπνής) - happening in sleep, fall fast asleep

upnees (υπνής) = sleep, drowsy

kathupo- (καθυπο-) - prefix meaning underneath, occupy a lower place

upo (υπο) = from under

kathupourgeo (καθυπουργέω) - render service

upourgeo (υπουργέω) = render service, help, assist

kathustereo (καθυστερέω) - fall behind, be slow, delay, fare badly, be kept waiting

ustereo (υστερέω) = to be behind or later, come late

kathuphaino (καθῡφαίνω) - interweave, weave in

uphaino (ῡφαίνω) = weave

kathuphesis (καθύφεσις) - collusion; give way, yield, slacken

uphesis (ύφεσις) = letting down, slackening

katho (κάθω) - barbarism for kathizo (καθιζω) - make to sit down, seat, set

izo (ιζω) = make to sit, seat, place

katham- (καθᾱμ-) -prefix meaning day-by-day, daily

ᾱμ = at once, at the same time