kappa

[ kap-uh ]

noun

1. the tenth letter of the Greek alphabet (K, k).
2. the consonant sound represented by this letter.

kappa

/ ˈkæpə /

noun

1. the tenth letter in the Greek alphabet (Κ, κ), a consonant, transliterated as c or k

Word History and Origins

Origin of kappa¹

< Greek káppa < Semitic; kaph

Word History and Origins

Origin of kappa¹

Greek, of Semitic origin

Example Sentences

Most Japanese schoolchildren know the kappa as a trickster who looks like a cross between a frog and a turtle with an indented head.

From New York Times

One repeats the phrase “kappa,” a mythical monster, as in: “kappa kapparatta,” which translates to “the kappa took off with something” — a “rappa,” a “trumpet,” as it turns out in a later line.

From Seattle Times

The P681R mutation, also found in the kappa variant, is located at the beginning of a part of the genome called the furin cleavage site, Cooper said.

From Salon

Ms Harris' pearl necklace also made reference to a tradition in her alpha kappa alpha sorority, the oldest all-black sorority in the US.

From BBC

It follows three middle school boys who get turned into mythical creatures called kappas.

From The Verge