squinting modifier

noun

: a modifier (such as often in "getting dressed often is a nuisance") so placed in a sentence that it can be interpreted as modifying either what precedes or what follows

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squinting modifier was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near squinting modifier

Cite this Entry

“Squinting modifier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squinting%20modifier. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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