The term refers to the back or body viewed from behind, often emphasizing the physical form as a whole, but especially the rear or back side. In some contexts, it signifies the entire person, particularly in poetic or metaphorical usage.

Etymology From the root גב (g-v), meaning 'back' or 'height'; גֵּוָה (gêvâh) is a feminine noun formation, related to גֵּו (gêv), 'back,' used to denote the back or by extension, the whole body.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Kimbundu nguba back, hump -nguba
Kongo nguba back, hump gub
Lingala nguba back, hump (of animal) -nguba