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circumflex

adjective cir·cum·flex \ ˈsər-kᵊm-ˌfleks \

Definition of circumflex

1 : characterized by the pitch, quantity, or quality indicated by a circumflex
2 : marked with a circumflex

Origin and Etymology of circumflex

Latin circumflexus, past participle of circumflectere to bend around, mark with a circumflex, from circum- + flectere to bend

2

circumflex

noun

Definition of circumflex

: a mark ˆ, ⌢, or ˜ originally used in Greek over long vowels to indicate a rising-falling tone and in other languages to mark length, contraction, or a particular vowel quality

See circumflex defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of circumflex from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'circumflex.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of circumflex

1609

in the meaning defined above

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CIRCUMFLEX Defined for English Language Learners

circumflex

noun

Definition of circumflex for English Language Learners

  • : a mark ˆ used in some languages (such as French) to show how a vowel should be pronounced

Medical Dictionary

circumflex

adjective cir·cum·flex \ ˈsər-kəm-ˌfleks \

medical Definition of circumflex

of nerves and blood vessels
: bending around

Learn More about circumflex

  1. See words that rhyme with circumflex Spanish Central: Translation of circumflex Nglish: Translation of circumflex for Spanish speakers

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