proper noun · femininefirst declension
Silesia
Silesia f (genitive Silesiae)
Classical[sɪˈɫɛ.si.a]Ecclesiastical[siˈlɛː.s̬i.a]
Meaning
- Medieval LatinNew LatinfeminineSilesia (a cultural region of Central Europe, now chiefly in Poland, with small portions in the Czech Republic and Germany, from early modernity until 1945 predominantly German-speaking with Slavic-speaking minorities (and local majorities))
Declension
| form | singular | plural |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | Silesia | Silesiae |
| genitive | Silesiae | Silesiārum |
| dative | Silesiae | Silesiīs |
| accusative | Silesiam | Silesiās |
| ablative | Silesiā | Silesiīs |
| vocative | Silesia | Silesiae |
Origins
Ancient Greek Σιλίγγαι (Silíngai)bor. Latin Silingaeder.? Old Polish Ślężader. Old Polish Ślęzader.? Old Polish śląg /ślęgder.? Latin Silesia Uncertain. Two theories are prominent: a relation to the Germanic Silingi tribe, whose name is attested in Ancient Greek Σιλίγγαι (Silíngai). Or, from Old Polish ślęg, śląg meaning "dampness, humidity, moisture."