The word 'ululation' traces its lineage directly to the Latin verb ululare, meaning 'to howl or shriek', which itself is believed to be of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the sound of a wailing cry. This Latin root passed into English via the past participle form ululatus. The suffix -ion was appended to form a noun denoting the action or result of howling. Thus, the literal construction "the act of howling" evolved into the modern, specific term for a ritualistic, emotional, high-pitched vocal lament common in many cultures.

Structure: ululat + ion - ululat: A bound root derived from Latin ululatus, the past participle of ululare meaning 'to howl, to shriek'. Its functional role is as the core semantic root. - ion: A suffix of Latin origin (-ionem) indicating an action, process, or result. Its functional role is to form a noun from a verb.