glossolalia

English

/ˌɡlɒsəˈleɪliə/, /ˌɡlɑsəˈleɪliə/

noun
Definitions
  • Speaking a language one does not know, or speaking elaborate but apparently meaningless speech, while in a trance-like state (or, supposedly, under the influence of a deity or spirits); speaking in tongues.

Etymology

Derived from Ancient Greek γλῶσσᾰ (tongue, language) derived from Proto-Indo-European *glōgʰs.

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*glōgʰs

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms