anaclasis

noun

anac·​la·​sis
əˈnakləsə̇s
plural anaclases
-əˌsēz
: an exchange of place between a short syllable and a preceding long one that is frequent in ionic rhythms

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek anaklasis act of bending back, reflection, from anaklan to bend back, reflect (from ana- + klan to break) + -sis

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anaclasis was in 1811

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Cite this Entry

“Anaclasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anaclasis. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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