Applications and Meanings of the Term Dhamma
1. Literal Meaning by Term Analysis
1. Attano sabhàva§ dhàrentãti và 2. Paccayehi dhàrayantãti và 3. Attano phala§ dhàrentãti và 4. Attano paripåraõa§ apàyesu apatamàna§ dhàrentãti và 5. Salakkhaõe dhàrentãti và 6. Cittena avadhàrayantãti và Yathàyoga§ 'Dhammàti vuccanti. (They are called “Dhamma” since, in accordance with their applications, 1. they uphold (or maintain) their own nature; 2. they are upheld (or supported) by conditions; 3. they uphold their own result; 4. they uphold one who fulfils them, not letting him fall into woeful states; 5. they maintain their own characteristics; or 6. they are held in (caught, occupied, settled in or determined) by the mind.) (PsA. 20)
Resolution of the term: root dhar
suffix + ramma = Dhamma
√dhar = to uphold; maintain.