synizesis

[ sin-uh-zee-sis ]

noun

, Phonetics.

1. the combination into one syllable of two vowels (or of a vowel and a diphthong) that do not form a diphthong.

synizesis

/ ˌsɪnɪˈziːsɪs /

noun

1. phonetics the contraction of two vowels originally belonging to separate syllables into a single syllable, without diphthongization Compare syneresis
2. cytology the contraction of chromatin towards one side of the nucleus during the prophase of meiosis

Word History and Origins

Origin of synizesis¹

1840–50; < Late Latin < Greek synízēsis, equivalent to syn- syn- + ( h ) iz- (stem of hízein to sit ¹ ) + -ēsis -esis

Word History and Origins

Origin of synizesis¹

C19: via Late Latin from Greek sunizēsis a collapse, from sunizanein to sink down, from syn- + hizein to sit

Example Sentences

The synizesis and synapsis stages are especially clear.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no synizesis and no polarized or bouquet stage, but the nuclei of all of the spermatocytes contain a continuous spireme throughout the growth stage.

From Project Gutenberg

The larvæ only were collected, as they gave all the desired stages for a study of the spermatogenesis, and also oögonia and synizesis and synapsis stages of the oöcytes.

From Project Gutenberg