Re: [tied] Root of "marten," "sable"

> > I can't see how */a~/ would derive from the first syllable of
> > satem.
>
> It doesn't. Others here are much more familiar with the
> developments than I, but I'm awake, so for what it's worth,
> my understanding is that PIE *k^ > Lith. s^ and PIE *m. >
> Lith. im~, um~ are regular. Thus, there's nothing
> surprising about *k^m. > s^im~.
>
> Brian

Aaah. So much for that theory, but what does that make Lithuanian,
satem or centum?

Really, I've read, the division of languages between satem and centum
is no longer a useful means of comparison (especially considering
Tokharian!).

Anyway, thanks for clearing that up. Any other ideas on the origin of
marten, sable, ermine and stoat?

And what languages use(d) the root *kek' for weasel anyway?