um-, umu-, prefix

An isiXhosa and isiZulu singular noun prefix, found in some words originating in these languages. Cf. i-.
Note:
For examples, see mlungu, umfaan. In Xhosa and Zulu, the plural of words beginning um- or umu- is formed by replacing the prefix with aba- or abe-, or with imi-; in South African English this pattern is not always observed, and the plural is sometimes formed by the addition of English plural -s to the singular form. See also aba-, abe-.
An isiXhosa and isiZulu singular noun prefix, found in some words originating in these languages.
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