stamma

Stamma is a term with multiple meanings depending on the context, primarily used in Greek and related linguistic traditions. In Greek linguistics, *stamma* (Greek: σταμμά) refers to a specific type of grammatical construction involving the use of the particle *stamma* (σταμμά), which functions as an emphatic or restrictive marker in certain dialects, particularly in the Cypriot Greek variety. It often appears in fixed expressions or idiomatic phrases, such as *stamma kati* (σταμμά κάτι), meaning "exactly this" or "precisely that," to highlight a specific reference.

The term also appears in the context of Byzantine and medieval Greek literature, where it may refer to a stylistic device or rhetorical figure, sometimes linked to abrupt or emphatic phrasing. In some historical and folkloric studies, *stamma* has been associated with traditional Cypriot proverbs or sayings, where it serves to underscore a point or correct an assumption.

In a broader sense, *stamma* can be loosely translated as "exactly" or "just that" in English, reflecting its role in emphasizing precision or clarity in communication. The usage is largely confined to specific regional dialects and literary traditions, making it less common in modern standard Greek.

The etymology of *stamma* is rooted in the Greek verb *stamnó* (σταμνώ), meaning "to stop" or "to halt," which aligns with its function in language as a pause or definitive marker. Its study is relevant to dialectology, historical linguistics, and the preservation of linguistic heritage in Greek-speaking communities.