عتم

1 عَتVمَ The primary signification of the inf. n. عَتْمٌ in the [genuine] language of the Arabs is that of Tarrying [or delaying ]: and of withholding, or restricting, or limiting, oneself. (TA.) See 2, in three places. [Hence,] one says, غَرَسْتُ الوَدِىَّ فَمَا عَتَمَ مِنْهَا شَىْءٌ i. e. [ I planted the shoots of palm-trees, ] and not any of them was slow or tardy [ in its growth ]. (S.) And عَتَمَتْ حَاجَتُهُ The object of his want was, or became, slow or tardy [ of accomplishment ]; as also ↓ أَعْتَمَتْ. (TA.) ― -b2- عَتَمَ اللَّيْلُ, (S, K,) aor. عَتِمَ , (S, TA,) inf. n. عَتْمٌ, (TA,) The night was, or became, dark, in the period termed عَتَمَة: (S:) or a portion of the night passed; as also ↓ اعتم: (K:) the latter mentioned by IAar. (TA.) ― -b3- And عَتَمَتِ الاـِبِلُ, aor. عَتِمَ and عَتُمَ , The camels were milked at nightfall [i. e. at the commencement of the عَتَمَة]; as also ↓ أَعْتَمَت and ↓ استعتمت. (K.) ― -b4- See also 4.