nounsteis

Nounsteis is a theoretical category in linguistics describing a class of nominal units formed by attaching the suffix -steis to a base noun. In the systems that employ nounsteis, the resulting units can function as both the head of a noun phrase and as a modifying element within larger phrases, blending nominal and adjectival semantics in a single morpheme.

Etymology: The term nounsteis was coined in a 2020 study by linguists exploring nominal-adjectival interfaces. It combines "noun" with the suffix -steis, used here as a generic marker for relational meaning within the constructed category.

Morphology and syntax: The -steis suffix attaches to base nouns to form a unit that often appears in attributive position as a modifier and can also head a noun phrase or serve in predicate position, depending on the language. Analyses vary, with some treating nounsteis as fused compounds and others as bound morphemes that encode adjectival properties.

Usage and significance: Nounsteis is primarily discussed in theoretical and typological contexts and is not widely attested in natural languages. It provides a framework for examining how noun and adjective syntax may converge. See also morphological derivation, compound nouns, nominal-adjective interface.