trigraph

[ trahy-graf, -grahf ]

noun

1. a group of three letters representing a single speech sound, as eau in beau.

trigraph

/ ˈtraɪˌɡrɑːf; -ˌɡræf; traɪˈɡræfɪk /

noun

1. a combination of three letters used to represent a single speech sound or phoneme, such as eau in French beau

Derived Forms

• trigraphic, adjective

Other Words From

• tri·graph·ic [trahy-, graf, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trigraph¹

First recorded in 1830–40; tri- + -graph

Example Sentences

It can be dry and tedious stuff, replete with obscure jargon like “digraph” and “trigraph.”

From Seattle Times

It can be dry and tedious stuff, replete with obscure jargon like “digraph” and “trigraph.”

From Seattle Times

Trigraph, trī′graf, n. a combination of three letters sounded as one, a triphthong.

From Project Gutenberg

A vowel trigraph in which all three of the vowels are sounded.

From Project Gutenberg

Associated word: trilingual. three-leaved, a. trifoliate, trifoliated. three-legged stand. trivet, tripod. three letters. triphthong, trigraph. three months. trimester.

From Project Gutenberg