Definitions

1. noun

A diacritical mark consisting of two dots (¨) placed over a vowel to indicate that it is to be pronounced separately from a preceding vowel.

“The poet used diaeresis to clarify the pronunciation of the word ‘coöperate’.”

2. noun

A grammatical or phonetic division of a word or syllable into two distinct parts.

“In some languages, the diaeresis is used to indicate that a vowel is not part of a diphthong.”

3. noun

A rhetorical device in which a word or phrase is divided into two distinct parts, often for emphasis or effect.

“The poet used diaeresis to create a dramatic effect in his poem.”

4. verb

To divide (a word or syllable) into two distinct parts, often for emphasis or effect.

“The poet diaeresed the word to create a sense of drama.”