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visarga

noun
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vi·​sar·​ga | \ və̇ˈsärgə \
plural -s

Definition of visarga

1 : a Sanskrit postvocalic sound or group of sounds produced by keeping the vocal organs above the glottis in the same position as for the preceding vowel and continuing to expel air from the lungs but not vibrating the vocal cords
2 : a sign used in writing Sanskrit to represent the visarga sound or sounds

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History and Etymology for visarga

Sanskrit, literally, discharge, from vi asunder + sarga action of letting go, from sṛijati he lets go

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Cite this Entry

“Visarga.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visarga. Accessed 16 Jun. 2021.

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