moleira

Old Portuguese

FWOTD – 4 May 2013

Etymology

Mole (“soft”) +‎ -eira, referring to the unossified calvaria of babies.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /mo.ˈlej.ɾa/

Noun

moleira f

1. the top of the head
   • 13th century CE, Alfonso X of Castile, Cantigas de Santa Maria, Códice de los músicos, cantiga 213 (facsimile):

     […] ca ficou todo britado. dos pees tro ena moleira

     […] that he became all bruised, from the feet to the top of the head.

---

Portuguese

Noun

moleira f (plural moleiras)

1. fontanelle (soft spot on the head of babies)

Synonyms

• fontanela