Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek Language and Linguistics

Get access

Cowgill’s Law
(743 words)

Abstract

‘Cowgill’s Law’ refers to one or more phonological processes describing the development of PIE *o to Gk. /u/ in restricted environments, thereby accounting for Greek forms with unexpected u-vocalism. (In other contexts, PIE *o > Gk. /o/). Numerous counterexamples suggest that the traditional formulation may be overly general.

‘Cowgill’s Law’ refers to one or more phonological processes (Phonological Change) describing the development of PIE *o to Gk. /u/ in restricted environments. (In all other contexts, PIE *o > Gk. /o/). An …

Cite this page
Brent Vine, “Cowgill’s Law”, in: Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek Language and Linguistics, General Editor: Georgios K. Giannakis. Consulted online on 30 September 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2214-448X_eagll_SIM_00000438>
First published online: 2013



▲   Back to top   ▲