marculus.

Disputed. The term may be ultimately connected with the root *melh₂- (“to grind”). * This term has been explained as a diminutive to a noun formed from earlier Proto-Indo-European *molH-ko-. According to this theory, Proto-Indo-European *molH-ko- gave rise to a diminutive noun *malakelo-, which then transformed into *malkelo-, before then changing into *markelo- via the dissimilation of l to r. Alternatively, the term may have begun as *malalo-kelo- and then evolved into *mallokelo- before developing into *malkelo-. * Another theory maintains that the term originated from Proto-Indo-European *molH-tlo-, before undergoing a development *moltlo- > *molklo- > *morklo- > marculus. This explanation is favored by De Vaan, though it is criticized by Prósper, who considers the o-grade "unjustified." Prósper further argues that the expected form outcome of this sequence would be *mulcrum. According to Prósper, the second l would be the expected target of dissimilation, such as in fulcrum. Moreover, Prósper suggests that the /o/ ought to be raised in this position, noting comparable forms such as pulsus and ultimus. * Prósper proposes a derivation from the root *merh₂-, whence also perhaps Proto-Celtic *marnati. According to Prósper, the term may have followed a development from Proto-Indo-European *mṛh₂-tlom > *marklo- > marculus. See also malleus (“hammer, mallet”), with which it is related. Due to the -ulus being misanalysed as the diminutive suffix -ulus, marcus was later fabricated by analogy.