synaeresis

/sɪnɛˈrɛsɪs/

Definitions

1. noun

a linguistic process in which a vowel sound in a word is elided and the preceding consonant sound is lengthened, especially in Greek or Latin

“The poet’s use of synaeresis created a unique rhythm in the poem.”

2. noun

the elision of a vowel in a word, resulting in a change of pronunciation

“In ancient Greek, synaeresis was a common feature of the language.”

Synonyms

  • elision
  • vowel reduction

Antonyms

  • diaeresis
  • diæresis