The term כֶּסֶא (keṣeʼ) denotes the 'full moon,' with primary reference to the phase of the lunar cycle when the moon is fully visible, typically associated with festival observances in the Israelite calendar. By extension, it can refer to the time marked by the full moon, most notably the occasion of certain religious festivals governed by lunar chronology.

Etymology Derived from the root כָּסָה (k-s-h), meaning 'to cover' or 'conceal.' The nominal form כֶּסֶא appears to indicate the 'hidden' or 'covered' time, a reference to the transition within the lunar cycle when the moon is either fully concealed (new moon) or fully revealed (full moon). In biblical usage, כֶּסֶא is most plausibly linked to the full moon, particularly as the reference point for calendrical reckoning.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Edo osù month
Gwari osu moon
Idoma osu month
Igbo ọnwa moon, month
Itsekiri osù month
Nupe esu month
Urhobo osù month
Yoruba osù moon, month osù