Etymology of the Word "Periwinkle"

Periwinkle Plant

The term “periwinkle” for the plant is a diminutive form of the 12th-century English word “parvink,” which is derived from the Old English word “perwince.” “Perwince” is further derived from “pervinca,” the Late Latin word for the periwinkle plant. The word “pervinca” likely comes from the Latin verb “pervincire,” which means “entwine” or “bind.” This connection is likely due to the creeping growth of the periwinkle plant, which entwines and binds, as implied by the word “pervincire.”

Key Facts

Periwinkle Plant:

The name “periwinkle” for the plant is a diminutive form of the 12th-century English word “parvink,” derived from the Old English word “perwince”.
“Perwince” is derived from “pervinca,” the Late Latin word for the periwinkle plant.
“Pervinca” likely comes from the verb “pervincire,” meaning “entwine” or “bind” in Latin.
The creeping growth of the periwinkle plant, which entwines and binds, is likely the reason for the association with the word “pervincire”.

Periwinkle Snail:

The common periwinkle is a marine mollusk native to the northeastern Atlantic Ocean.
The Old English name for the snail is “pinewincle,” which is composed of “pine-” (derived from the Latin word “pina,” meaning “mussel”) and “wincel” (meaning “spiral shell”).
The snail’s name likely refers to its curved shell, represented by the Old English-Germanic “wincel”.

It is interesting that two words with different origins, implying curling, bending, binding, and entwining, converged into a homonym/graph/phone.

Periwinkle Snail

The common periwinkle is a marine mollusk native to the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. The Old English name for the snail is “pinewincle,” which is composed of “pine-” (derived from the Latin word “pina,” meaning “mussel”) and “wincel” (meaning “spiral shell”). The snail’s name likely refers to its curved shell, represented by the Old English-Germanic “wincel.”

Convergence of Meanings

It is interesting to note that two words with different origins, implying curling, bending, binding, and entwining, converged into a homonym/graph/phone. This convergence is likely due to the similarity between the sounds and meanings of the two words, particularly those of the diminutive attribute of the plant’s name that implies its entwining growth (“winkle” from Latin) and the portion of the snail’s name that describes its curved shell (the Old English-Germanic “wincel” turned “winkle”).

Conclusion

The word “periwinkle” has a rich and diverse etymology, with distinct origins for the plant and snail meanings. The convergence of these two meanings into a homonym is a fascinating linguistic phenomenon that highlights the intricate connections between language and the natural world.

Sources

FAQs

What is the origin of the word “periwinkle”?

Answer: The word “periwinkle” has distinct origins for the plant and snail meanings. The plant name comes from the Latin word “pervinca,” meaning “entwine” or “bind,” likely due to its creeping growth habit. The snail name comes from the Old English word “pinewincle,” composed of “pine-” (from Latin “pina,” meaning “mussel”) and “wincel” (meaning “spiral shell”), referring to its curved shell.

What is the connection between the plant and snail meanings of “periwinkle”?

Answer: Despite their different origins, the plant and snail meanings of “periwinkle” share a common theme of curling, bending, binding, and entwining. This convergence is likely due to the similarity between the sounds and meanings of the two words, particularly the diminutive attribute of the plant’s name that implies its entwining growth (“winkle” from Latin) and the portion of the snail’s name that describes its curved shell (the Old English-Germanic “wincel” turned “winkle”).

When did the word “periwinkle” first appear in English?

Answer: The word “periwinkle” first appeared in English in the 12th century, with the plant meaning predating the snail meaning. The plant name is derived from the Old English word “perwince,” while the snail name is derived from the Old English word “pinewincle.”

Is “periwinkle” a common word in English?

Answer: Yes, “periwinkle” is a common word in English, used to refer to both the plant and the snail. It is also used to describe a light purplish blue color, named after the flower of the periwinkle plant.

Are there any other words with similar origins to “periwinkle”?

Answer: Yes, there are a few other words with similar origins to “periwinkle.” For example, the word “bindweed” comes from the Old English words “bindan” (to bind) and “weod” (weed), referring to the plant’s ability to twine around other plants. The word “honeysuckle” comes from the Old English words “hunig” (honey) and “suckle” (to suck), referring to the sweet nectar produced by the plant’s flowers.

What are some interesting facts about periwinkles?

Answer: Periwinkles are interesting creatures with a number of unique characteristics. For example, periwinkle snails are known for their ability to change their sex from male to female and back again, depending on the availability of mates. Periwinkle plants are known for their medicinal properties, and extracts from the plant have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

Where can I find more information about periwinkles?

Answer: There are many resources available online and in libraries where you can find more information about periwinkles. Some good places to start include the websites of the National Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy, and the Smithsonian Institution. You can also find books about periwinkles at your local library or bookstore.

How can I use the word “periwinkle” in a sentence?

Answer: Here are a few examples of how you can use the word “periwinkle” in a sentence:

The periwinkle plant is a beautiful addition to any garden.
The periwinkle snail is a common sight on rocky shores.
The color of the bridesmaid’s dresses was a lovely periwinkle blue.
The doctor prescribed a periwinkle extract to help with my anxiety.
The hikers followed a periwinkle trail through the woods.