மலை

Definition

A mountain; the Nilgiris are the famous blue mountains.

Example

Etymology

The word 'மலை' (malai) traces back to the Proto-Dravidian term '*maḷai', meaning 'to rise or swell.' Historically, it has denoted elevated landforms in the Tamil-speaking regions.

How & Where It’s Used

'மலை' (malai) is commonly used in everyday conversation and written texts, both formally and informally, to describe mountains and hills across various dialects of Tamil.

Literary Heritage

It is featured in numerous poems and literary works, including verses in Thirukkural, where mountains symbolize strength and beauty.

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