suffix · neutersecond declension
-ulum
-ulum n (genitive -ulī)
Classical[ʊ.ɫũː]Ecclesiastical[u.lum]
Meaning
- morphemeneuterUsed to form a noun of instrument or means from a verb.
amicio + -ulum → amiculum
specio + -ulum → speculum
Origins
Functions as a phonologically conditioned alternative form (allomorph) of the suffix -culum, from Proto-Indo-European *-tlom. It possibly developed from a phonological rule that deleted the initial stop of the suffix when it came after a stop, or from simplification of geminates (e.g. *spek-tlo- > *spek-klo-). However, Sen 2015 argues that instrumental ending -ulum is derived from the neuter of the etymologically distinct suffix -ulus (found in some agent nouns, such as figulus (“potter”)) from Proto-Italic *-elos. Compare the feminine variant -ula.