The verb διακναίσας (aorist participle of διακναίσω) is a hapax legomenon in extant Greek literature. While the root κναίω ('to scratch' or 'to gnaw') is attested, the intensive compound διακναίσω appears here with a specific metaphorical force of 'gnawing through' or 'devouring from within' that is crucial for understanding the intensity of the speaker's longing (πόθος). This rare lexical formation creates a visceral image of desire as a corrosive, physical force, distinguishing it from more standard metaphors of love as fire or sickness found in contemporary tragedy.