Definitions

1. noun

A vowel sound in which the quality of the sound changes during its articulation, such as the sound in the English word ‘boil’.

“The linguist studied the diphthong in the words ‘price’ and ‘ride’.”

2. verb

To change the sound of a vowel in a word to a diphthong.

“The pronunciation of the word ‘boil’ diphthongized over time.”

3. noun

A musical interval, typically an augmented second or a minor third, consisting of a diphthong.

“The composer used a diphthong in the melody of the opera.”