syncope

[ sing-kuh-pee, sin- ]

noun

1. Grammar. the contraction of a word by omitting one or more sounds from the middle, as in the reduction of never to ne'er.
2. Pathology. brief loss of consciousness associated with transient cerebral anemia, as in heart block, sudden lowering of the blood pressure, etc.; fainting.

syncope

/ ˈsɪŋkəpɪ; sɪŋˈkɒpɪk /

noun

1. pathol a technical word for a faint
2. the omission of one or more sounds or letters from the middle of a word

Derived Forms

• syncopic, adjective

Other Words From

• syn·cop·ic [sin-, kop, -ik], synco·pal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of syncope¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin syncopē, from Greek synkopḗ “a cutting short,” from syn- syn- + kopḗ “a cutting” (from kóptein “to cut”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of syncope¹

C16: from Late Latin syncopa, from Greek sunkopē a cutting off, from syn- + koptein to cut

Example Sentences

Here Joe's voice failed, and, falling into a syncope, Glenn and Sneak lifted him up and carried him into the house.

From Project Gutenberg

What has been said about syncope applies also to the relative spheres of elision and hiatus.

From Project Gutenberg

Had he been in bed, I think there is reason to believe this fatal syncope, if such it was, would not have happened.

From Project Gutenberg

If the girl had fainted it was a pity, but what influence had he over her syncope?

From Project Gutenberg

The young man sunk back in a species of syncope, produced by the agony of his mind as he made the fatal communication.

From Project Gutenberg