Description:

The term 'zrom' is usually used as a noun and is a general term for an animate, apparently self-directed, non-human thing, for example a robot or an animal.

It is often used in the form of the compound head term affix -(o)zrom. As an affix, it obeys a special phonological rule that if the compound formed violates a consonant cluster rule, the cluster will be broken up by inserting -o- instead of -y-. The implication of derivation with -(o)zrom is somewhat instrumental, implying to some extent that the word derived is useful for some human purpose.

An example would be 'sufetcazrom', a cleaning robot. This derivation is applied to 'sufet', which is already derived into a thematic term with -ca. The role of -zrom is to calrify the animacy, purposefulness and non-humanity of the cleaner. This is a common usage pattern.

The equation of robots with animals implied by this word goes back to Old Common for the Hilbillies fiictional universe and was intended to elevate the stature of intelligent robots that performed tasks. The comparison if carried over into modern High Common but runs the other way, diminishing the importance of the animal to its utility. Hence, a different word for animal might be used for an animal the speaker or listener is supposed to care about.