parasynthesis

[ par-uh-sin-thuh-sis ]

noun

, Grammar.

1. the formation of a word by the addition of a derivational suffix to a phrase or compound, as of greathearted, which is great heart plus -ed.
2. the formation of a word by the addition of both a prefix and a derivational suffix to a word or stem, as demoralize.

parasynthesis

/ ˌpærəsɪnˈθɛtɪk; ˌpærəˈsɪnθɪsɪs /

noun

1. formation of words by means of compounding a phrase and adding an affix, as for example light-headed, which is light + head with the affix -ed

Derived Forms

• parasynthetic, adjective

Other Words From

• par·a·syn·thet·ic [par-, uh, -sin-, thet, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parasynthesis¹

First recorded in 1860–65; para- ¹ + synthesis