adjective constant, durable, lasting DN.iii.86. As tt. for one of 4 branches of Vedic learning (DN.i.88) it is Phonetics which probably included Grammar, and is explained by sikkhā (DN-a.i.247 = Snp-a.477) pl. nt. akkharāni sounds, tones, words. citt’akkhara of a discourse (suttanta) having variety & beauty of words or sounds (opposed to beauty of thought) AN.i.72 = AN.iii.107 = SN.ii.267. Akkharāni are the sauce, flavour (vyañjana of poetry SN.i.38. To know the context of the a˚ the words of the texts, is characteristic of an Arahant Dhp.352 (C. is ambiguous Dhp-a.iv.70). Later: akkharaṃ a syllable or sound Pv-a.280 (called sadda in next line) akkharāni an inscription Ja.ii.90; Ja.iv.7 (likhitāni written), Ja.iv.489; Ja.vi.390, Ja.vi.407. In Grammar: a letter Kacc. 1.

• -cintaka a grammarian or versifier Kp-a.17; Snp-a.16 Snp-a.23, Snp-a.321. cp. Snp-a.466; Pv-a.120.
• -pabheda in phrase sakkharappabheda phonology & etymology DN.i.88 (akkharappabhedo ti sikkhā ca nirutti ca Snp-a.447 = DN-a.i.247 = AN.iii.223 = Snp.p.105.
• -piṇḍa “word-ball”, i.e. sequence of words or sounds Dhp-a.iv.70 (= akkharānaṃ sannipāto Dhp.352).

Vedic akṣara