synaloepha

noun

syn·​a·​loe·​pha
variants or synalepha
ˌsinəˈlēfə
plural -s
: the blending into one syllable of two vowels of adjacent syllables (as by crasis, synaeresis, synizesis, elision)
especially : a contraction of syllables by obscuring or suppressing a vowel or diphthong at the end of a word before another vowel or diphthong (as in th' army, for the army)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek synaloiphē, synaliphē, from synaleiphein to clog up, coalesce, unite two syllables into one, from syn- + aleiphein to anoint, besmear; akin to Greek lipos fat

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near synaloepha

Cite this Entry

“Synaloepha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synaloepha. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!