Word Meaning
होंटों
hoñtoñ
Meaning
Lips (oblique plural form of lip).
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, the beloved's lips are celebrated for their ruby-like redness, sweetness, and miraculous life-giving qualities. In Mir's verse, their vivifying power is so supreme that even the Messiah, known for reviving the dead, finds his livelihood outdone. The word here directly invokes the physical and metaphysical charm of the beloved's lips.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit ओष्ठ (oṣṭha) via Prakrit ओट्ठ (oṭṭha) into Hindustani होंट (hoñṭ).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, lips are frequently invoked alongside the motif of the Messiah's breath (dam-e-Īsā) to represent supreme beauty that bestows eternal life.
Examples
A faint smile blossomed upon those delicate lips.
Words of nectar poured softly from those lips.