synaeresis

or syn·er·e·sis

[ si-ner-uh-sis ]

noun

, Phonetics.

1. the contraction of two syllables or two vowels into one, especially the contraction of two vowels so as to form a diphthong.
2. synizesis.

synaeresis

/ sɪˈnɪərɪsɪs /

noun

1. a variant spelling of syneresis

Word History and Origins

Origin of synaeresis¹

1570–80; < Late Latin < Greek synaíresis act of taking together, equivalent to syn- syn- + ( h)aire- (stem of haireîn to take) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Proof of this is to be found in the confession of linguists, that there are no truly phonetic laws of the hiatus, of cacophony, of diaeresis, of synaeresis, but merely laws of taste and convenience; that is to say, aesthetic laws.

From Project Gutenberg