holophrase

[ hol-uh-freyz, hoh-luh- ]

noun

1. a word functioning as a phrase or sentence, as the imperative Go!

Word History and Origins

Origin of holophrase¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; holo- + phrase

Example Sentences

Now, since exactly the same situation never recurs, but is partly the same and partly different, it is clear that, if the holophrase really tried to hit off in each case the whole outstanding impression that a given situation provoked, then the same combination of sounds would never recur either; one could never open one's mouth without coining a new word.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, American languages of the ruder sort, by running a great number of sounds or syllables together, manage to utter a portmanteau word—"holophrase" is the technical name for it—into which is packed away enough suggestions to reproduce the situation in all its detail, the cutting, the fact that I did it, the object, the instrument, the time of the cutting, and who knows what besides.

From Project Gutenberg

Possibly he does not differentiate sufficiently between the rude language of the holophrase and the much later growth of formed and grammatical speech.

From Project Gutenberg