aṅgūṣa

 The Sanskrit word "aṅgūṣa" generally means an ichneumon (a small carnivorous mammal), an arrow, or anything that moves rapidly; in another form, "āṅgūṣa" can also signify a hymn or praise in Vedic context

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Definitions and Uses in Sanskrit Literature

1. As a Noun – Animal or Object:
   • Ichneumon: “aṅgūṣa” denotes a small carnivorous animal, often 
   • referenced in classical Sanskrit texts and dictionaries 

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   • Arrow: It is also used to denote a projectile shot from a bow 

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   • Speed/Quickness: Derived from the verbal roots aṅg or ag, it can
   • carry the meaning “moving rapidly” 

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2. Vedic and Literary Usage:
   • In the Ṛgveda, the variant “āṅgūṣa” (आङ्गूष) is used to denote 
   • praise or a hymn, especially in Vedic hymns and ritualistic contexts 

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   • Other derived or lexical meanings include references to certain birds, 
   • elephants, or symbolic representations of speed and agility in poetic
   • literature 

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3. Etymology:
   • The root aṅg or ag relates to motion, movement, or rapidity. 
   • The suffix -ūṣa (Unadi affix) helps form specific nouns, like animals or
   • objects associated with swiftness 

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Summary of Key Meanings

• Animal: ichneumon or mongoose
• Object: arrow or missile
• Attribute: speed or moving rapidly
• Vedic/Uplifting sense: praise, hymn, or laudatory song

Hence, depending on context, "aṅgūṣa" can refer to an animal, a weapon, 

or a concept of motion, while "āṅgūṣa" is often associated with Vedic 

hymns or praise

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This multiplicity of meanings illustrates the richness of Sanskrit 

in conveying both literal and figurative senses.

aṅguṣṭhya

 In Sanskrit, "aṅguṣṭhya" (अङ्गुष्ठ्य) primarily refers to something that belongs to the thumb, most specifically the thumb or thumb-nail.

Definition and Etymology

The term "aṅguṣṭhya" is derived from aṅgula, meaning "finger" or "digit," and 

specifically refers to the thumb in classical usage 

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It functions as a masculine noun or an adjective in Sanskrit grammar:

• As a noun, it denotes the thumb or thumb-nail.
• As an adjective, it implies pertaining to the thumb or something located 
• on/associated with the thumb 

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The word is a classical term appearing in Sanskrit scriptures, Vedic texts, 

and Ayurvedic or yogic literature 

Yogawiki

. Its etymological roots trace 

back to Proto-Indo-Iranian Hangúštʰas and Proto-Indo-European 

h₂eng- meaning "joint," showing cognates in languages like Persian (angošt) 

and Avestan (aṇgušta) 

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Usage and Derived Forms

• Grammatical forms: aṅguṣṭhyaḥ (nominative singular masculine),
• aṅguṣṭhyaṃ (accusative singular), with various cases following 
• standard masculine a-stem declensions 

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• Derived forms include aṅguṣṭhikā (feminine form) and other terms
• denoting size or association with the thumb 

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• In yoga, Ayurveda, and Sanskrit literature, the word is often referenced 
• in anatomical descriptions, ritual gestures (mudras), and measurements
• based on finger/thumb length 

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Summary

Aṅguṣṭhya literally means "thumb" or "that which belongs to the thumb",

including the thumb-nail, and is widely attested in Sanskrit dictionaries, 

classical texts, and related South Asian languages 

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It forms the root for various derived words and has influenced terms in

Prakrits, Hindi, and other Indian languages.