# \*kurkum- 'saffron'

A Proto-Semitic root the Linear A Lexicon's readings rest on.

- Author's gloss: saffron, crocus; yellow
- SED semet 3191
- Record: https://github.com/plasma-ai/kaphtor/blob/50525edd50131a50e59ec82bf5132da0fa89efc9/wiki/semitic-roots/k/2657_saffron.md

## In Linear A

- [KU-RU-KU](<https://linear-a.ai/lexicon/KU-RU-KU/index.md>) (kurkū): saffron, crocus (PN from plant term)

## Reflexes: East Semitic

- Akkadian: kurkānû (CAD K 560) (gloss withheld)

## Reflexes: Northwest Semitic

- Hebrew: karkōm (HALOT 498) (gloss withheld)
- Judaic Aramaic: kurkǝmā, kurḳǝmā 'saffron' (Ja. 625)
- Syrian Aramaic: kurkǝmā 'crocus sativus', kurkǝmūtā 'saffron color', mǝkarkǝmat gawnā 'saffron-colored', kurkǝmānā 'saffron-colored; pl. saffron-colored garments', ʔetkarkam 'it turned red / it blushed' (Brock. 346)
- Mandaic Aramaic: karkum (HALOT 498)

## Reflexes: Arabic

- Arabic: kurkum- 'Indian saffron, turmeric; henna' (BK II 888)

## Reflexes: Ethiopic and Modern South Arabian

- Mehri: kerkmín (gloss withheld)
- Soqotri: kérkham (LS 225), kírkam (gloss withheld)
- Harsusi: mekárkem (gloss withheld)
- Jibbali: ǝnkɛrkím (gloss withheld)

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Page: https://linear-a.ai/roots/2657/
Licence: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cite as: di Mino, Tom. 2026. Linear A Lexicon. Plasma AI. https://linear-a.ai/. Data: kaphtor, commit 50525edd.