nez perce
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A member of a Native American people originally inhabiting the Pacific Northwest: The Nez Perce are a tribe of the Shahaptian people historically living in parts of what are now Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. 2. The language spoken by the Nez Perce people: Nez Perce is the Shahaptian language spoken by this tribe.
Usage Examples
- Noun (referring to the people):
- Chief Joseph was a famous leader of the Nez Perce.
- The Nez Perce have a rich cultural heritage tied to the Columbia River Plateau.
- Noun (referring to the language):
- Efforts are underway to revitalize the Nez Perce language among younger generations.
- She is studying the grammar of Nez Perce.
Advanced Usage
- The term Nez Perce is an exonym, a name given by outsiders (French Canadian fur traders, meaning "pierced nose"). The tribe's name for themselves in their own language is Nimíipuu, meaning "the people".
- When used attributively (as an adjective), it is typically not hyphenated: e.g., , , .
Variants and Related Words
- Nimíipuu: The self-designation of the Nez Perce people in their own language.
- Shahaptian: Refers to the language family to which Nez Perce belongs, or to the peoples who speak these languages.
Synonyms
- Nimíipuu (specifically for the people, from the autonym).
Noun
- the Shahaptian language spoken by the Nez Perce
- a member of a tribe of the Shahaptian people living on the pacific coast