oriṣa

Etymology
From. The precise etymology of the term is unknown, (possibly from, , or ), but several folk etymologies exist, the main one suggesting it comes from. (This is unlikely though as this term only fits the Yoruba definition of òrìṣà, but not the cognate versions in other languages or even in other Yoruba dialects).

The term òrìṣà, which is a general name for all deities in the Yoruba religion, likely derived from the proper noun form, in reference to a specific arch-divinity of the sky and creation (now known as and ). In other related languages, and some dialects of the Yoruba language, the cognate term has retained its proper noun definition, referring to a specific high-ranking male divinity associated with the sky, creation, and government. These cognates include 🇨🇬, 🇨🇬, 🇨🇬, Èkìtì 🇨🇬, 🇨🇬, 🇨🇬, and 🇨🇬

Noun

 * 1)  orisha