Quranic root
نوق
n · w · q
A proposed root orientation toward height, elevation, and upward stature.
The evidence connects نِيقٌ with the highest place on a mountain and suggests that نَاقَةٌ may belong to this pattern because of the animal's elevated build. Related extensions include becoming like a she-camel as a figure for loss of former dignity, and تَنَوَّقَ for going beyond the ordinary toward excellence or refinement.
- Maqāyīs · row 4794
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 1
- Quran senses
- 7
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
نَاقَة
nāqah
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 7 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
A she-camel; a female camel.
Quranic noun used for a female camel, including the specially designated camel in the narratives associated with Ṣāliḥ.
- Lane · entry 32457
Selected Quran examples
Quran 7:73word 20
“(is) a she-camel”
Quran 26:155word 3
“(is) a she-camel”
Quran 54:27word 3
“the she-camel”
Quran 91:13word 5
“(It is the) she-camel”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 7:73نَاقَةُ(is) a she-camel
- 7:77ٱلنَّاقَةَthe she-camel
- 11:64نَاقَةُshe-camel
- 17:59ٱلنَّاقَةَthe she-camel
- 26:155نَاقَةٌۭ(is) a she-camel
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 7 Classical meanings
نَوَّقَ
To break or train a camel.
Classical Form II verb.
- Lane · entry 32454
تَنَّيَقَ
To be refined or luxurious in one's food and clothing.
The supplied usage describes refinement and luxury in diet and dress.
- Lane · entry 32455
تَنَوَّقَ
To go beyond the ordinary in a matter, elaborating it toward excellence or beauty.
Used with فِي for the matter in which one is meticulous, elaborate, or excessive.
- Maqāyīs · row 4794
نِيقَة
Daintiness, nicety, exquisite refinement, or exacting excellence; the quality of making something unusually good, beautiful, sound, thorough, or skilful.
A substantive associated with تَنَوَّقَ and with exceeding what is usual in pursuit of excellence.
- Lane · entry 32458
نِيق
The highest or most elevated place on a mountain.
A topographical noun for a mountain height or summit.
- Maqāyīs · row 4794
نَاقَة
A group of stars arranged in the shape of a she-camel.
An astral designation based on the form of the constellation or star-group.
- Maqāyīs · row 4794
اِسْتَنْوَقَ
To become like a she-camel; figuratively, to become humbled after having been in a position of might or honor.
Used literally in a comparison involving a camel and proverbially of one who loses former dignity.
- Maqāyīs · row 4794
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The elevation-based connection of نَاقَة to the root principle is presented in the evidence as possible, not certain, and is not used to define the Quranic sense.
The Lane entry for نِيقَة records uncertainty about the reading of its second consonant; the supplied lexical meaning remains explicit.