Kolam
/ˈkoʊ.ləm/noun
A decorative geometric floor drawing or ritual design, especially in South India, made with rice flour or powder.
Did you know?Kolam is traditionally made at the doorway each morning, turning an ordinary entrance into a living symbol of welcome, order, and auspiciousness.
Etymological Timeline
Modern English
English
kolam
“A South Indian decorative ritual floor design drawn with powder or rice flour.”
Tamil
TA
கோலம்
“A pattern, form, or decorative design; especially a ritual floor drawing.”
Proto-Dravidian
PDr
*kōl-
“To make a pattern, shape, or form (reconstructed root used in Dravidian etymologies).”
Ancient South Indian usage
Dravidian
kōlam
“A drawn figure, shape, or ornament, often with auspicious or protective significance.”