diachronic

[ dahy-uh-kron-ik ]

adjective

, Linguistics.

1. of or relating to the changes in a linguistic system between successive points in time; historical:

   diachronic analysis.

diachronic

/ ˌdaɪəˈkrɒnɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or studying the development of a phenomenon through time; historical Compare synchronic

   diachronic linguistics

Other Words From

• dia·chroni·cal·ly adverb
• dia·chronic·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diachronic¹

1925–30; < French diachronique (term introduced by F. de Saussure); dia-, chronic

Word History and Origins

Origin of diachronic¹

C19: from dia- + Greek khronos time

Example Sentences

In a publication, to appear soon, it is argued that both the syntax of subordination and negation systems in Tonya show different patterns and thus diachronic development from the Çaykara variety.

From Science Daily

But by making unlikely connections between well-described locations and events separated by aeons, she gives voice to those witchy, diachronic feelings in a spectacular fashion.

From Economist