polysyndeton

noun

poly·​syn·​de·​ton ˌpä-lē-ˈsin-də-ˌtän How to pronounce polysyndeton (audio)
: repetition of conjunctions in close succession (as in we have ships and men and money)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Late Greek, neuter of polysyndetos using many conjunctions, from Greek poly- + syndetos bound together, conjunctive — more at asyndeton

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polysyndeton was circa 1577

Dictionary Entries Near polysyndeton

Cite this Entry

“Polysyndeton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polysyndeton. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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