あけび

Uncertain, with a couple different theories.[1][2]

• A shift from akemi, as a compound of 開け (ake, the 連(れん)用(よう)形(けい) (ren'yōkei, “stem or continuative form”) of the verb 開(あ)ける (akeru, “to open something”)) +‎ 実 (mi, “fruit, seed”).

However, the stem ake is from the transitive verb, and this fruit opens on its own.

• A shift from akami, as a compound of 赤 (aka, “red”) +‎ 実 (mi, “fruit, seed”).

There is also the term 赤 (ake, “red”), but this is only used as a standalone noun, and not in compounds.

Both theories are problematic and require an irregular shift in the reading of 実 from mi to bi, which is not attested in other words.

First cited to a text from the late 800s.[3]

• (Tokyo) あけび [àkébí] (Heiban – [0])[4]
• IPA^(key): [a̠ke̞bʲi]

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1. [from late 800s] chocolate vine (Akebia quinata)
2. [date uncertain] (slang) female genitals (possibly from the shape of the ripened and opened fruit)

• As with many terms that name organisms, this term is often spelled in katakana, especially in biological contexts (where katakana is customary).

• 郁子(むべ) (mube)

• Translingual: Akebia